MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats entered their game against Mobile Thursday night having never lost to the Rams in Crisp Arena. Bethel continued that trend with a 73-59 win running their home record against Mobile to 6-0. Bethel is 69-22 all-time in the building.
Bethel is 10 -8 overall and 3 -3 in Southern States Athletic Conference play. The Rams fell to 7-9 and 2-4.
The Wildcats led by only four at 32-28 at halftime but then used a 12-2 run in the first six minutes of the second half to lead 44-30. Mobile would battle back to trail 46-42. The Wildcats used a stifling defense however and pulled away again as they held the Rams to just 17 points in the last eight minutes.
Charles Cobb scored a career high 20 points to share scoring honors with Isaac Edmondson. Chase Nappier had 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Braxton Nappier had a game high eight assists. Noah Chatman had eight second half points. Tony-Toni Wright led the Rams with 20 points.
The Cats were able to win despite being outrebounded 39-27. Mobile also outshot Bethel 40 percent to 39 percent from the floor. The Wildcats hit six three's while Mobile hit just one on nine attempts. A huge difference in the game was Bethel forcing Mobile into 28 turnovers. Bethel had a 32-14 advantage in points off turnovers.
Coach Jeff Britt said, "This was a good win for us over a very physical Mobile team. Our defense was excellent at times tonight. I'm proud of that especially after giving up 101 points at William Carey Saturday. Charles played an excellent game and we are pleased with his play this year. We do not have a lot of time to enjoy this one as we prepare now for a really good Loyola team who has played well this season."
The Wildcats remain at home Saturday hosting Loyola at 4 p.m. The game was chosen by fans on social media as the SSAC Game of the Week. Loyola enters the contest at 9-6 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Pack loss to Martin Methodist Thursday night in Pulaski.
It will be the 10th meeting between the two programs. The Wildcats lead the series 6-3. Bethel is 4-0 in McKenzie. They are 1-3 in New Orleans but won the only meeting in the SSAC Championships in Montgomery.
Fans can follow the game on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. The Countdown to Tip-off Show follows the women's game. Fans can also view the game on Wildcat Vision at: http://www.bethelathletics.com/f/WildcatVision.php
