MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The No. 17 Bethel Lady Wildcats used a 14-0 run in the third quarter to pull away and beat the visiting Blue Mountain Lady Toppers 71-50 Saturday afternoon in Crisp Arena. The Lady Cats moved to 14-7 overall and 10-1 in the SSAC. BMC fell to 6-10 and 4-8. Bethel is 32-1 all-time against SSAC opponents in Crisp Arena.
Bethel led 29-24 at halftime. BMC cut the lead to 29-28 early in the third quarter before Bethel exploded on a 14-0 run to grab a 43-28 advantage. Morgan Martin and Brandi Goodman teamed up for all 14 points in that stretch to give Bethel the cushion they would need to prevail. The Lady Wildcats would extend the margin to 21 and win by that very margin. It was Bethel's fourth straight victory and eighth in their last nine games. It was Blue Mountain's fifth straight loss.
Bethel shot 46 percent from the field hitting 29-of-63 attempts. The Lady Cats knocked down eight three pointers. Blue Mountain was 18-of -48 from the floor and hit four three pointers. BMC had a 30-27 advantage in rebounding but committed 22 turnovers in the game. The Lady Cats as a result had a 20-8 advantage in points off turnovers. Bethel also dominated play in the paint with a 32-16 advantage. The Lady Wildcats had 23 assists which is the third most in a game this season. Cayla Sheets and Shamon Pearson had five each.
Martin had a game high 18 points. Goodman and Pearson had 14 each. Madison Steppee followed with 12 points. Jasmine Allen led the Lady Toppers with 11 points. Madison McCreless scored 10 on the night.
Coach Chris Nelson was pleased with his team's effort and execution in several areas. "We are very proud of our defensive effort today and the way we shared the basketball. We just simply missed open shots in first half but thought we stayed the course and continued to keep our energy up on both ends of the floor. Our chemistry is very high right now as everyone is playing their roles to perfection. We have to continue to utilize our bench as we head into February and tournament play in March."
The Lady Wildcats host William Carey Monday night at 5:30 p.m. The game had been originally scheduled Thursday, January 26 but were postponed due to the tornado hitting the university and Hattiesburg this last weekend.
It will be William Carey Fund Relief Night at Crisp Arena. The Bethel Cheer and Dance teams will be accepting donations throughout both games. Fans can also make a donation at the ticket gates when entering the arena. All fans are encouraged to attend and participate. All funds given will go to William Carey University in their rebuilding process. Donations of financial assistance for students can also be made online. Designate gift: Student Tornado Relief. www.wmcarey.edu/advancement
The game will be aired on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins at 5 p.m. Fans can also view the game on Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com on the Wildcat Vision link. Dave McCulley and Zach O'Kelley call the action on both entities.
