MCKENZIE, Tenn. – After beating Lindenwood-Belleville 95-89 Friday the (RV) Bethel Wildcats concluded the 2019 Wildcat Christmas Classic with a disappointing 91-82 loss to Philander Smith Saturday night in Crisp Arena. With the loss the Wildcats fell to 8-4 while PSC improved to 5-9 on the year.
The Wildcats led 41-40 at halftime but PSC outscored Bethel 18-10 in the first ten minutes of the second half and Bethel could never recover.
PSC shot 56 percent while Bethel shot 40 percent from the floor. The Panther bench proved to be a big difference outscoring the Wildcat reserves 38-7.
Cayden Edmonson led the Bethel attack with 29 points. He is one point away from becoming the 30th Wildcat to score 1,000 points or more in a career at the school. Javonte Ellis tossed in 17 points while Jarred Walker had 15 points. Cameron Ricks contributed with 13 tallies.
Dejalin Austin led the Panthers with 25 points with 21 of those coming in the second half. Robert Jordan came off the PSC bench with 24 points.
Both squads had trouble handling the ball. Bethel had 21 turnovers. PSC had 18 on the night.
Coach Jeff Britt spoke about the loss. "Taking nothing away from Philander Smith but we simply did not defend very well. Our straight line defense was poor at times. I thought we had tired legs at times and our focus was not there on a consistent basis. We will take tomorrow off and practice Monday and Tuesday for our Wednesday game."
Game one on Saturday saw Blue Mountain beat Lindenwood- Belleville 81-77.
The Wildcats return to action Wednesday hosting Crowley's Ridge at 11 a.m. It will be Elementary School Day with several hundred school children in attendance.
Live video: http://www.bethelathletics.com/WildcatVision
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