MCKENZIE, Tenn.-The No. 14 Bethel Lady Wildcats ran their record to 21-3 Saturday afternoon with a 66-58 win over the visiting Brewton-Parker Lady Barons. The Lady Cats improved to 13-1 in the SSAC. It was Bethel's 11 the straight victory. BPU fell to 14-8 and 10-4.
Bethel leads the all-time series 10-0. Bethel won at BPU 78-65 earlier this season. Saturday's game was designated as the SSAC Game of the Week.
The Lady Wildcats led by as many as ten in the second half only to see the Lady Cougars fight back to take a 56-55 late lead. Morgan Martin hit a clutch three-pointer to give the Cats a 58-56 lead. Tasia Jones secured the victory hitting key free throws to hand Bethel the win.
Myah Taylor led Bethel with 21 points. For the first time this season she did not hit a three-pointer in a game. She still leads the nation however with 94. She also grabbed nine rebounds in the victory. Bethel had a 44-28 margin on the boards. Martin had nine points and 13 rebounds. Martin has 979 career points and is 21 away from becoming the 16th Lady Wildcat to score 1,000 points or more in a career at the school. Brandi Goodman and Jones each had nine points. Millie Bryant had six points and grabbed a career high 13 rebounds.
The Lady Cats were 22-of-26 from the foul line.
Bethel hit two three's giving them a nation leading 228 on the season.
The Lady Cats are 12-1 at home and 9- 1 on the road. They are 1-1 in neutral site games. Bethel is 104-14 all-time in Crisp Arena. They are 48-3 against SSAC foes in the arena. Bethel is 82-15 all-time versus SSAC opponents.
Bethel is 19-1 when they lead at halftime. They are 2-2 when trailing at the break. They are 19-2 when they out rebound their opponent. Bethel is 1-1 when losing the battle of the boards. They are 1-0 when tied in rebounding. The Lady Cats are 19-1 when they out shoot their foes. They are 2-2 when outshot. Bethel is 17-0 when they make more free throws in a game. They are 4-3 when the opponent makes more free throws and 15-1 when the opponent has more turnovers per game. Bethel is 13-2 in night games and 8-1 in day affairs. The Lady Wildcats have hit at least one three-pointer in 416 straight games. The team has hit at least one three-pointer in every game Coach Chris Nelson has coached at Bethel. He is 281 -135 and is in his 13th season with the Lady Wildcats.
Nelson said he was happy with how his team responded pulling out the win. "We knew going in this would be a tough game. Brewton-Parker is talented and Coach Edwards has done a great job. His kids played hard and gave us a battle. In the end our board work saved the day in a game we didn't shoot well. Free throws were also big. Morgan's three was huge to say the least. She is the type player who wants that shot. Millie's tenacity on the boards was also a big factor."
The Lady Wildcats host Blue Mountain Monday night at 5:30 p.m. Bethel beat BMC 80-62 January 21 in Blue Mountain. Bethel leads the all-time series 25-1 and has won 12 straight against the Toppers. It will be Pink Out Night…all fans are asked to wear pink to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness….There will be giveaways for the 1st 200 fans….the night will be sponsored by First Bank and Smith & Smith Optometry….
Fans can listen to the action on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com. The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins at 5 p.m.
Live video:
http://www.bethelathletics.com/WildcatVision
Live stats:
http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
Live audio:
https://www.thefarmradio.com/
