HATTIESBURG, MS - The Bethel Wildcats fell to 9-8 and 2-3 in the conference after a 101-78 loss at No. 24 William Carey Saturday afternoon in Hattiesburg Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders moved to 8-1 at home on the season and 11-3 overall. It also marked the 10th meeting all-time between the two. WCU leads the series 7-3. Bethel is 1-5 all-time in Hattiesburg while the series is 2-2 in McKenzie.
The game remained tight for the first eight minutes before William Carey gradually pulled away in the first half and led at the break 49-36. The Crusaders maintained a double digit lead throughout the second half and moved to 5-1 in the SSAC.
WCU shot 61 percent from the floor hitting 37-of-60 shots on the day. It is the best percentage shot by an opponent this season against the Wildcats.
Bethel was 25-of-61 from the field hitting 25-of 61 attempts. William Carey out rebounded the Wildcats 38-35.
William Carey had a 53-16 advantage in bench points. They had a 48-36 margin in points in the paint. The Crusaders used a 22-14 advantage in second chance points and 24-19 in points off turnovers in the win. The 101 points are the most Bethel has allowed in a game this season.
Cayden Edmonson led Bethel matching his career high of 19 points. He also pulled down nine rebounds. Charles Cobb matched his career high with 14 points. Isaac Edmondson and Chase Nappier each scored 12 points. Bethel's Braxton Nappier had a game high six assists.
Six Crusaders scored in double figures. Maurice Stephens led WCU with 17 points.
Coach Jeff Britt commented, "Hopefully we can regroup for this week's conference games. It doesn't get any easier as Loyola may be the best team in our conference at this point and Mobile is really playing well right now."
The Wildcats return home to face Mobile Thursday night at Crisp Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Catch the action on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. Live video will also be available at: http://www.bethelathletics.com/f/WildcatVision.php
