HOLLY SPRINGS, MS – The No. 11 Bethel Lady Wildcats fell in two overtimes at Rust College Saturday afternoon, losing 76-65. It proved to be a game of missed opportunities for the Cats.
Bethel had a 12 point lead in the fourth quarter only see to see Rust use a 16-4 run to send the game to overtime tied at 53. Both teams scored eight points in the first overtime but Rust outscored Bethel 15-4 in the second overtime to win by 11.
Rust won the battle of the boards at 40-32. The Lady Cats shot just 59 percent from the foul line at 13-of-22. Rust shot 43 free throws, hitting 30 on the day. Bethel was 23-of-66 from the field at 34 percent. They hit six three-pointers. Rust was 21-of-52 at 40 percent and hit four three-pointers. Both squads struggled with turnovers. Bethel committed 18 while Rust had 22 in the game.
Tyasia Willis and Mickey Head led Bethel with 14 points each. Jani Crawford followed with 10 points. Keimeshia Walker led Rust with a game high 27 points.
The Wildcats fell to 8-4 on the season while Rust moved to 9-1. The Bearcats are 4-0 at home while Bethel is 1-2in road action.
Coach Chris Nelson said, "We missed too many free throws and too many open lay ups during key stretches of the game. We got up 16 points in the 2nd period and then went through a phase where we couldn't finish open looks. The same thing happened in the 4th period. We were up 12 with under seven minutes to go and simply couldn't close it out. We have a good ball team but if we ever want to be a great team we have to be more consistent."
The Lady Wildcats return to action Thursday as they host Oakland City University at 6 p.m.
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