MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats snapped a three game losing streak with a 90-84 win over the visiting Barons of Brewton-Parker Saturday night in Crisp Arena. The Wildcats moved to 15-13 overall and 8-8 in the SSAC. BPU fell to 5-22 and 4-12.
It was the eighth meeting between the two programs. Bethel leads the series 5-3 with a 4- 0 mark in McKenzie and a 1-3 slate in Mt. Vernon.
The Wildcats led at halftime 43-36. They gradually pulled away and led 56-40 in the second half before BPU surged back to trail 86-84 with 52 seconds left. Clutch free throw shooting by the Wildcats enabled Bethel to hold on for the win.
Bethel shot 43 percent from the floor connecting on 30-of-69 attempts from the field. They hit seven three's and hit 23-of-32 free throws. Bethel had a 42-34 rebound advantage in the contest.
The Barons were 27-of-66 from the floor at 40 percent. They hit nine three's and hit 21-of 32 free throws.
BPU had 23 turnovers while Bethel finished with 19 on the night.
Six players finished in double figures for the Cats. Bradley Walker had a double-double with 16 points and 1 rebounds. Charles Cobb had 16 points Cayden Edmonson had another good night with 14 points. Javonte Ellis had a solid night with 13 points. Isaac Edmondson and Chase Nappier both added 12 points each. Nappier also had a team high five assists.
Michael Volley led the Barons with 16 points. Devon White added 14 on the night.
Coach Jeff Britt said balance was the key. "I thought our kids fought hard. Brewton Parker has improved this season and at this time of the year everybody is working hard to win. Having six kids in double figures is encouraging and great for our team moving forward. The kids deserve a few days to rest and get ready for our last home game."
Bethel will host Martin Methodist at 4 p.m. Saturday. It will be Senior Day with ceremonies taking place before the game. The 1982 men's basketball team will be honored at halftime of the men's game. The heralded team was inducted into the Bethel University Athletic Hall-of-Fame this past year. The squad is only the third team in Bethel history to be inducted into the Hall.
It will also be "WHITE OUT DAY"…….visit www.bethelathletics.com for how you can purchase your attire for the game.
Fans can catch the game on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. Live video will be available with Wildcat Vision at www.bethelathletics.com.
