MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The Bethel Wildcats appeared to be on their way to their second straight win in the 5th Annual Chick-Fil-a Classic Saturday with a 19-point lead in the second half but it wasn't to be as the Cumberland University Phoenix stormed back and beat the Cats on a game winning shot at the buzzer. CU's Deiontay Walters hit a 15-footer to give the visitors from Lebanon an 86-84 victory.
Bethel dropped to 3-2 on the year while Cumberland improved to 6-1.
Both teams shot well from the field. CU was 30-of- 56 from the floor at 53 percent. Bethel shot 50 percent going 30-of-59 from the field. Bethel had a 40-20 margin in rebounding but the Wildcats had a season high 19 turnovers.
Noah Chatman sparked Bethel with a double-double scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Cayden Edmonson led Bethel with 27 points. Isaac Edmondson had 14 points while teammate Chase Nappier followed with 13 points. Ty Sean Powell led Cumberland with 27 points.
Coach Jeff Britt said, "Our kids fought hard but Cumberland was just better at the end."
The All-Classic team included Harrison Fancher of Blue Mountain. Kortez Wade of Rust was joined by Powell of Cumberland. Bethel's Edmondson and Edmonson were also named to the squad.
The Wildcats return to action Tuesday playing host to Brescia at 7:30 p.m. The Lady Wildcats meet Fisk at 5:30 p.m.
