MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats opened their 2020-21 basketball season Monday night hosting the Brescia Bearcats. The Cats had seven players unable to play due to illness. The Wildcats had several games postponed leading up to the opener. Bethel continued their dominance in the series, winning 109-93.
It was the 10th meeting between the two programs with Bethel holding a commanding 10-0 advantage in the series. The Cats are 4- 0 in McKenzie versus the visitors from Owensboro.
Bethel is 104-30 all-time at Crisp. With the loss the Bearcats dropped to 0-2 on the year.
The Cats used the mantra, "Next Man Up" in the game and that is exactly what happened for Coach Aaron Johnson and Coach Jonathan Stanley who assumed the reins with Head Coach Jeff Britt also sitting out the game due to illness.
Chandler Clements led the Wildcats with a double-double scoring a game high and career high 26 points. He also grabbed a career high 10 rebounds. Lazarick Hill was sensational in his varsity debut popping in 23 points. Senior Jarred Walker scored a career high 20 points. He also had a game high nine assists. Another newcomer, Immanuel Anderson, came off the bench and contributed with 15 points and seven rebounds. Obray Rufus led the Bearcats with 24 points.
Bethel shot 58 percent from the field hitting 43-of-73 attempts from the floor. The Wildcats hit six three's and finished 17-of-27 from the free throw line. Bethel outrebounded Brescia 31-29 and despite all the newcomers committed only 14 turnovers. The Wildcats had a 56-38 advantage in points in the paint.
Brescia was 29-of-60 from the field at 48 percent. They hit nine three-pointers and stayed in the game as a result of their red-hot free throw shooting knocking down 26-of 30 from the line. The Bearcats committed 22 turnovers in the game.
Coach Johnson was pleased with the effort and result. "Our young men had a lot of energy and passion. We thought they played for the most part with an unselfish attitude. The 22 assists verify that and we are pleased with how they shared the basketball. Chandler was very good all night. Jarred handled the team exactly the way we know he can and we will need him to play like that this year for us to be successful. Laz has a high motor and that is the main reason we moved up to his starting role tonight. Manny was a nice factor in the paint. We are pleased with the entire team and how they listened and embraced the game plan for tonight."
The Wildcats return to action Thursday night hosting Cumberland University at 8 p.m. It will be the Mid-South Conference opener for both squads.
Game Coverage:
The game can be heard on WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com
Dave McCulley and Zach O'Kelley will have the call with the Countdown to Tip-off beginning at the conclusion of the women's game which begins a 5:30 CST.
Live radio: https://www.thefarmradio.com/
Live video: http://www.bethelathletics.com/WildcatVision
Live stats: http://www.dakstats.com/websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
