Bethesda Basketball Splits Roster for Three Games in Two Days

239 points. That is the combined margin of defeat for the Bethesda University men's basketball team across three games played in just two days this past weekend. The Lion Angels fell by 72, 73, and 94 points in consecutive contests against Hawaii, Pepperdine, and Southern Utah.

The split-squad schedule allowed the small private Christian school in Anaheim, California, to play three opponents in 48 hours. Bethesda’s athletic director, Leo Balayon, confirmed the arrangement was a financial necessity. The school’s men's roster of about two dozen players was divided into three groups, each sent to a different location. This structure generated revenue for a program that operates without a dormitory and plays rare home games in a Salvation Army gym.

The losses were lopsided. In the Friday contest at Hawaii, Bethesda was outscored 28-3 over the final six minutes of the first half. That run turned a close game into a 40-point deficit at intermission, culminating in a 116-44 loss. The following day, Pepperdine recorded two 15-0 runs to win 116-43. Southern Utah used 15 players in its 143-49 victory, with no individual logging more than 15 minutes on the floor.

Balayon noted that the program could survive without these exhibitions, but the schedule is essential for funding. He stated that hosting games locally is labor-intensive for a staff with a limited budget. Therefore, the team travels to Division I schools by van rather than by plane or charter bus. The squad also wears practice uniforms that were previously used by the Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate.

The team’s strategy involves accepting invitations from major programs to serve as homecoming opponents. Balayon, a professor at the school, explained that this approach provides the players with high-level competition. The team has a history of challenging top-tier opponents, having played 10 Division I schools between 2013 and 2016. During that period, Bethesda lost by an average of 30 points.

The program finally achieved a win against a major opponent on Dec. 16, 2016, when it defeated Cal State Northridge 100-95. A rematch five years later ended in an 82-80 victory for Bethesda. Since then, the Lion Angels have gone 0-77 against other Division I teams over the last 13 seasons. Of those 77 losses, 34 came by margins of 50 points or more.

Forward Treveon Lee described the experience as a blessing. He emphasized that the small school environment provides individual attention that larger programs often lack. Players at Bethesda often come from diverse backgrounds, including military service and previous collegiate disappointments. The recruitment process focuses on players seeking a second chance rather than those seeking fame.

The team will continue to use the split-squad format a few more times this season. Balayon said the schedule offers players opportunities to compete against high-profile opponents. The program relies on this method to sustain operations and provide playing time for its roster of about 260 total students.

Lee said the team maintains a supportive atmosphere despite the heavy defeats. He noted that players focus on the present moment rather than the score. Balayon added that the group of students includes actors and veterans, creating a unique dynamic. The athletic director said the school's primary mission is to give people a second chance.