MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats fell to the hot shooting Faulkner Eagles 100-82 Saturday afternoon in Crisp Arena. The 100 points were the most scored by an opponent against Bethel this season.
The Wildcats dropped their second straight and fell to 8-6 on the season. They are 1-1 in the SSAC. Faulkner improved to 11-1 and 3-0 on the season.
The No. 12 Eagles shot a blistering 64 percent in the first half hitting 18-of-28 from the field. They knocked down nine of their 17 three-pointers and grabbed a 51-39 lead at the break. Faulkner finished the contest hitting 33-of-56 shots for 58 percent.
Five players finished in double figures for the Eagles. Lucas Luttrell had a game high 22 points. Logan Jozwiak followed with 19 while Rene Scott scored 16 points. Marquis Grays had 15 tallies and Adnan Halilovic completed the double digit scoring with 13 points. Faulkner had 24 assists in the game.
Bethel was 28-of-79 from the floor for 35 percent. The Wildcats struggled from long distance hitting just six of 34 attempts from downtown. Bethel is 0-6 when being out shot by an opponent.
Isaac Edmondson led Bethel with 20 points while Chase Nappier had 13 points.
The game marked the first of the season Bethel has lost when scoring 80 or more points in a game. They had been 7-0 before the loss.
Coach Jeff Britt stated, "They are a fine team and worthy of their ranking but at the same time we simply did not defend. I'm not sure why as we preached to them all week what we had to do to have an opportunity to win. We cannot and will not win taking thirty four three's. We have to regroup and prepare for an outstanding Dalton State team who comes in here Monday."
The Roadrunners ranked No. 13 in the nation invade Crisp Monday night with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m. Fans can follow the game with radio coverage begging at 7 p.m. with the Countdown to Tip-off Show on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. Video coverage will also be available on Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com.
