MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats played host to the Freed-Hardeman Lions Thursday night in Crisp Arena. It was the 74th meeting between the two programs and it would be a comeback by the Wildcats that allowed them to prevail 84-79.
Trailing by 12 at one point at 54-42 the Wildcats staged a big run and tied the game at 74-74. With 1:19 left Javonte Ellis drilled a three-pointer to give Bethel a 77-74 margin. FHU knocked down a three to tie the contest at 77. Cameron Ricks answered with a trey and the Cats led 80-77. Ellis hit a free throw to make it 81-77. Ricks would follow with a basket and the Cats were able to pull off the victory.
At one point of the game FHU was 12-of-19 in three point attempts. They would finish at 15-of-37. Bethel hit ten three's. The Wildcats were 10-of-18 from the foul line while FHU was 6-of-9. Bethel shot 41 percent from the floor while the Lions shot 44 percent. FHU outrebounded Bethel 46-43 but Bethel forced the Lions into 20 turnovers.
Ellis finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Ricks and Cayden Edmonson had 15 points each. Charles Cobb and Myron McKinney came off the bench and popped in ten each. Bethel's bench outscored FHU 31-9. John Musselwhite led the Lions with 24 points.
The Wildcats moved to 3-2 on the season while FHU fell to 1-2. Bethel is 86 -27 all-time in Crisp Arena.
Coach Jeff Britt said, "I thought our men did a great job of staying the course. Freed played really well and good enough to win. Hopefully our stamina and having played these early tough games will help us in the long run. I am proud of my guys and we look forward to continue to improve."
The Wildcats have a quick turnaround traveling to Lindenwood-Belleville Saturday with action beginning at 3 p.m.
