NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Bethel Wildcats traveled to New Orleans Thursday to meet Loyola attempting to snap a five game losing streak to the Wolf Pack. The Wildcats did just that with a thrilling 78-77 victory. Isaac Edmondson knocked down two free throws with one second left securing the Cat win.
The No. 19 Wildcats moved to 21-6 overall and 15-4 in the SSAC. Loyola fell to 15-11 and 10-9.
The Wildcat win knotted the series at 6-6.
Edmondson who leads the Cats at 17.4 points per outing led Bethel with 24 tallies. Charles Cobb added 17 while Foday Sankaray finished with 14 points. The Wildcats played without their second leading on the season in Cayden Edmonson who sat out the game with an injury. Braxton Nappier had a game high seven assists in the contest.
Myles Burns led the Pack with 27 points.
Bethel led at halftime 32-31. The Wildcats are 19-3 when leading at the break.
Bethel hit 11 three-pointers in the game. Both teams collected 40 rebounds each in the game.
Coach Jeff Britt said, "This was a really good road win for us, especially playing without Cayden. Our young men hung in there and found a way to pull it out. We let our lead get away there in the second half but battled back after losing the advantage and that shows how this team has matured and is willing to work together. I am really proud of that." He added, "We will get some rest and travel to Hattiesburg Friday to face one of the best teams in the nation."
The game was the first of two games on the road as the Cats travel to No. 15 William Carey Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip-off. Bethel closes out the regular season next week hosting Stillman on Thursday and Mobile on Saturday. The William Carey/Bethel game has been designated as the SSAC Game of the Week.
