HENDERSON, Tenn. –The Bethel Wildcats attempted to keep their six game winning streak intact at Freed-Hardeman Saturday but in the end it wasn't to be. FHU's Marcus Baldwin drained a 35-foot jumper at the buzzer to beat the Cats 80-79. The Wildcats dropped to 8-5 on the year while Freed won for only the third time moving to 3-6 on the season.
Bethel appeared to be in good shape for the victory but missed three crucial free throws in the waning seconds providing Freed the opportunity to win.
Freed-Hardeman led by 11 at 37-26 with 3:55 left in the first half but the Wildcats fought back to only trail 41-38 at the break.
Bethel took their first lead at 42-41 in the second half and maintained a lead until Baldwin's heroics at the end. The Wildcats actually led 68-57 with 7:01 left. Freed mounted the late comeback and tied the game at 71 all on a Baldwin three with 3:45 left. Bethel answered with a flurry of points and led 78-73.
The Wildcats shot 34 percent from the floor hitting 24-of-69 shots. Despite the late misses Bethel shot 79 percent from the foul line knocking down 23-of-29 free throws. The Cats had a slight advantage on the boards at 32-30. Bethel had 18 turnovers.
Freed-Hardeman had 25 turnovers but shot 26-of-54 from the field at 48 percent. Both teams hit eight three-pointers. FHU hit 20-of-21 free throws.
Bethel's Isaac Edmondson led all scorers with 27 points. He also had a game high nine rebounds. Chase Nappier had 13 points while Jarred Walker and Charles Cobb finished with 11 each. Baldwin led the Lions with 20 points. Jahmeel Watts scored 13 points and Simon Fransis finished in double figures with 12 points.
Coach Jeff Britt expressed his thoughts about the heartbreaking loss. "Our kids played well enough to win but we just didn't close it out. I feel badly about how we lost. Hopefully we can learn from this and get better."
Bethel travels to Delta State Tuesday for an exhibition game beginning at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the game with live video at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/dsu/ Live stats also available at: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=178463 There will be no local radio coverage.
The Wildcats jump back into regular season action Saturday hosting SSAC opponent Faulkner at 4 p.m. in Catch the action on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. The game will also be available on Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com.
