MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Bethel jumped back into SSAC action Thursday night hosting Dalton State in Crisp Arena. The Wildcats pulled away late in the first half and led 38-30 at halftime. The Wildcats gradually pulled away in the second half and went on to take an 88-67 victory.
The Wildcats moved to 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the SSAC. DSU dropped to 4-5 and 1-2. The Bethel win tied the series at four games each.
Both squads shot 45 percent from the floor. Both teams struggled however from behind the three-point arc. Bethel was just 2-of-11 while DSU was 3-of-19. One of the big keys was Bethel's ability to get to the foul line. The Cats shot 82 percent hitting 29-of-35 free throws. Dalton State hit 13-of-21 free throw attempts. Bethel had a 43-29 advantage in rebounds and had a 22-5 margin in second chance points.
Isaac Edmondson and Noah Chatman led Bethel with 18 points each. Cayden Edmonson followed with 17 points and a game high nine rebounds. Chase Nappier finished with 10 points.
Sean Chislom led DSU with 15 points.
Bethel returns home Saturday to face SSAC rival Martin Methodist at 4 p.m.
MMC-Bethel Preview
Bethel is led in scoring by Isaac Edmondson who averages 16.2 points per outing. Noah Chatman leads the Cats in rebounding pulling down 8.9 boards per game. He is No. 20 in the nation. Braxton Nappier leads the Wildcats in assists averaging 4.4 per contest.
Jeff Britt is in his 19th year at Bethel and is 329-234. He is 438-296 in his 30-year career. Britt is 10th among active NAIA coaches.
The Wildcats are 8-1 when they lead at halftime. They are 0-2 when they trail at the break.
Bethel is 8 -2 when they out rebound their opponents. They are 0-1 when out rebounded.
The Cats are 7-0 when they outshoot their opponents and 1-3 when outshot.
Bethel is 3-0 when they make more three-pointers in a game. They are 4-3 when the opposition has more treys. They are 1-0 when tied in three's made.
Bethel is 4-0 when they make more free throws in a game. They are 2-3 when the opponent makes more and 2-0 when tied in charity tosses made.
The Wildcats are 5-1 when they have less turnovers per outing. They are 2-2 when the opponents make more and 1-0 when tied in turnovers.
The Cats are 8-2 when three or more players score in double figures.
Bethel is 5-2 in night games and 3-1 in day affairs.
Bethel is No. 3 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 15.8. They are No. 2 in defensive rebounds per outing at 27.6. The Cats are No. 1 in rebound margin at 18.3
Martin Methodist is 3-5 overall and 0-2 in the SSAC. They are 0-4 on the road.
The RedHawks are led in scoring by Javonte Cooper who averages 12.3 point per outing. He is one of six Hawks who averages 10 points or more per game.
Dugan Lyne is in his first year as head coach at MMC.
It will be the 27th meeting between the two programs. MMC has a 19-7 lead in the series but Bethel has won the last two meetings. MMC has won nine of the twelve meetings in McKenzie.
The game will be carried on WEIO, 100.9 and at: https://www.thefarmradio.com.
Fans can also follow the game on Wildcat Vision at: http://www.bethelathletics.com/WildcatVision
Live stats at: http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
