MCKENZIE, Tenn. – With high expectations for the season the No. 11 Bethel Lady Wildcats did not disappoint a huge crowd in their opener Saturday night in Crisp Arena as they beat the Hiwassee Tigers 86-46.
Coach Chris Nelson used 16 players in the game with 14 scoring in the opener for both squads.
The Lady Cats led 23-11 after the first quarter and then broke the game open with an 18-5 second quarter to lead comfortably at the half 41-16. They added to that cushion with a 25-4 third quarter to lead at the end of three, 66-20.
The Lady Wildcats shot 42 percent hitting 30-of -71 from the field. They held the visitors from Madisonville to just 24 percent at 14-of-58 from the floor. Bethel connected on 14 three's while Hiwassee hit five treys on the night. Bethel had a 59-33 rebound advantage.
Shamon Pearson led the Bethel attack with 14 points. Abbey Dew came off the bench with 11 tallies. Newcomer Laurhen Pickett scored nine points and had a game high 12 rebounds. Tykeshia Vaughn led the Lady Tigers with 11 points.
With the victory Bethel is now 78-9 all-time in Crisp Arena. They are 42-8 against non-conference opponents in the building. It is the 362nd straight game the Lady Wildcats have hit at least one three-pointer in a game.
Hiwassee is coached by former Bethel standout Meagan Price.
Coach Chris Nelson said, "This was a nice opening win. We were afforded the opportunity to play a lot of people tonight and with so many new faces that is a good thing. Our veterans played well and I was happy with several of our newcomers. We got hot in the second quarter and were able to break the game open. We did a lot of good things but we will need to improve our free-throw shooting." Bethel hit just 12-of-30 attempts from the charity stripe. Nelson added, "Meagan has done an outstanding job with her program and we wish her and her team the very best."
The Lady Wildcats are back in action Thursday night hosting Fisk University. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. Catch the action on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. Video coverage will be available on Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com
