COCHRAN, Ga. - The Bethel Wildcats headed south to begin a four game conference road trip Thursday at Middle Georgia State in Cochran, Georgia. The Cats jump started the trip with an 86-74 victory over the Knights. Bethel moved to 11-8 overall and 4-3 in Southern States Athletic Conference play. MGS fell to 6-10 and 1-7.
The Wildcats led 39-37 at halftime and gradually pulled away for their second straight win. They are 10-0 when leading at halftime this season.
Bethel shot 48 percent from the floor connecting on 29-of-60 shots. They hit four three-pointers and were superb from the free throw line knocking down 25-of-30 attempts.
The Knights were 24-of-75 from the field at 32 percent. MGS hit 11 three's on 29 attempts and were 15 -of -25 from the free throw line.
The Wildcats are 10-4 when outrebounding opponents on the season after having a 44-31 margin. Both squads struggled with turnovers. Bethel won despite having a season high 26 turnovers. MGS had 22 on the night. The Wildcats had a 30-20 advantage in points in the paint.
Isaac Edmondson continued his outstanding junior season with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Cayden Edmonson followed with 18 points. The Nappier brothers were a huge factors in the contest. Braxton had 15 points, three steals and four assists. Chase had 15 points with four steals and four assists.
Darrell White had a game high 29 points for the Knights.
Bethel Coach Jeff Britt was proud of his team. "It was a hard fought game and I am proud of our guys and their ability to finish in a tough environment against a strong conference opponent."
It was the 5th meeting between the two programs. Bethel took a 3-2 lead in the series with the win. Bethel is 1-0 in McKenzie and 2-2 in Cochran.
The Wildcats remain on the road with a game at Brewton-Parker Saturday with tip-off slated for 3 p.m. CST.
There will be no local radio coverage but fans can follow the game at: http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
Live video will be available at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bpc/
Updates will also be posted on the Bethel Sports Information Facebook page and Twitter page.
After the game in Mt. Vernon the Wildcats travel to Dalton State (Thursday) and Faulkner (Saturday).
