MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats returned to action Monday night in the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King game playing host to the Florida College Falcons.
The Cats prevailed with a 111-99 win over the visitors from the Sunshine State. It was the third of a four game home stand for the Wildcats who improved to 13-7 overall and 4-4 in the SSAC. The Cats are 9 -3 at home on the season and 99-29 all-time in the arena. Bethel is 70- 44 all-time versus SSAC foes.
It was the third meeting between the two programs with Bethel holding 3-0 margin in the series. The Falcons dropped to 8-11 and 1-7.
The 111 points were a season high for the Wildcats.
Bethel trailed at halftime 49-47 but outscored the Falcons 64-50 in the second half. The Cats shot 50 percent from the floor and connected on 21-of-24 free throw attempts. Bethel had a 60-36 advantage in points in the paint.
Javonte Ellis had a career high 30 points in the victory. He also dished out six assists. Cayden Edmonson had 21 points giving him 1, 125 in his career. He is 26th on the Bethel all-time scoring list. Noah Chatman had a big night with 11 points, a career high 15 rebounds and four assists. Cameron Ricks tossed in 16 points while Charles Cobb had 15 points and six assists.
Jeff Britt is in his 20th season at Bethel and sports a 357-259 mark. He is 464-312 in his career.
Britt said, "I was proud of our composure and how we pulled away there at the end. We played hard and never backed off. Javonte was special tonight along with several other guys who played well. Florida College has a good team and can really score."
Falcon standout Matt Simpson led all scorers with 30 points.
Bethel plays host to rival Blue Mountain Saturday at 4 p.m. The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins immediately following the women's game on WEIO, 100.9 and, www.thefarmradio.com.
Live video:
http://www.bethelathletics.com/f/WildcatVision.php
Live stats:
http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
WLJT-TV, Channel 11 will carry the games on a delayed basis. Replays can be seen Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 11 p.m.
