GAINESVILLE, GA – A quick start from their team is something every coach likes to see. Bethel Coach Chris Nelson is no exception and he was pleased with his No. 21 Lady Wildcats as they rushed out to a 34-21 lead at the end of the first quarter at Brenau Saturday afternoon. They extended the lead to 49-34 at the half. The 49 points is the most scored in a half all season for Bethel. Shamon Pearson led Bethel in the half with 18 points while Morgan Martin had 11 tallies. Bethel shot 54 percent in the first two quarters.
The Lady Cats maintained a double digit margin leading 67-54 at the end of the third quarter.
Bethel went on to win 88-73 capturing their fourth straight victory and running their record to 10-6 overall and 6-0 in the SSAC. Brenau fell to 8-5 and 1-4. It was the Golden Tigers fourth consecutive loss.
It was Bethel's fourth win in Gainesville and they now lead the series 6-0. It was also Bethel's 40th win in their last 42 SSAC regular season games.
Pearson finished with a career high 36 points. Martin had 16 while Alexis Hardaway had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Brandi Goodman cemented the scoring with 14 points.
Bethel shot 48 percent hitting 31-of-64 shots. They nailed 10 three's in the game with Pearson knocking down four on the day in 11 attempts. She was on fire hitting 14-of-25 shots in the game. Brenau shot 48 percent but had 14 less shots at 24-of- 50. Briah Woods led the Golden Tigers with 20 points.
In the up-temp game Bethel had just eight turnovers. Bethel had a 34-33 rebound advantage.
Coach Nelson "We had to battle all game long. Every time we pushed the lead up to 15 they would come storming back. Our players did a great job keeping their composure on the road and pulling it out. Brenau is ultra- athletic and can cause matchup problems but I thought Mariah did another fantastic job on the other team's best player holding her under double digits. Lex (Alexis Hardaway) did a good job battling on the glass pulling out the double -double and Shamon and Morgan put the ball in the basket for us. Shamon hit big shots all game long but when the game got tight I thought she really came through for her team with some clutch shots. We are really happy with two conference road wins and excited about the next big challenges next week at home."
Bethel returns home next week for three consecutive conference games. They host longtime foe Martin Methodist Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and then host conference rival Loyola Saturday at 2 p.m. They host Mobile Monday, January 16. Five of their next games are at home. Bethel is 29-0 against SSAC opponents in Crisp Arena. They are 70-8 all-time in the building.
Fans can listen to the games on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. The games can be viewed on Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com by clicking the Wildcat Vision bar. The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins thirty minutes prior to tip-off.
