MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats enjoyed an 11 point (32-21) lead in the first half but it would be the Cumberland Phoenix outscoring Bethel 57-42 in the second half to beat the Cats 83-74 Saturday afternoon in Crisp Arena.
The Wildcats remained winless in the MSC falling to 0-4 and 3-4 overall. Cumberland moved to 3-2 and 3-1.
Bethel led 32-26 at the half but CU outscored the Cats 13-2 in the first five minutes of the second half. Cumberland shot 71 percent in the second half and 53 percent (31-59) for the game. The contest featured five ties and seven lead changes.
Bethel shot 44 percent (31-70) in the game. Free throws were a difference as CU hit 17-of-21 attempts while Bethel was 7-of-12 from the charity stripe.
The Wildcats were led by Drew Thomas who scored a career high 18 points. Chandler Clements had 17 points while Jarred Walker finished with 12 points. Kamron Rose had 11 points and eight rebounds. Clements also pulled down eight boards.
Tavon King led the Phoenix with a game high 23 points, 16 of those in the second half. Four other players finished in double figures for Cumberland.
Coach Jeff Britt said, "Our defense remains an issue. You cannot allow a team to shoot 71 percent in a half and expect to win. I hope this sends a message to our kids. We have to work harder, communicate better and simply help each other out on the defensive end. Turnovers, especially in the second half hurt us. We have to get some rest tonight and get ready for a tough game tomorrow."
Bethel travels to Paragould Saturday to face the Pioneers of Crowley's Ridge. The battle inside the Carter Activities Center begins with tip-off at 2 p.m. The game is a rescheduled game from November 7 which had been postponed.
The Pioneers are 2-7 on the season. CRC has won two of their last four. The Pioneers are 2-2 at home on the season.
CRC is coached by Chris Perkins who is in his 14th season with the Pioneers. Perkins is a former assistant with the women's program at Bethel.
Jeff Britt is in his 21st season at Bethel and holds a 365-275 mark with the Wildcats. He is 474-318 in his career.
Bethel leads the series 3-0.
There will be no local radio but fans can follow the game at:
Live video:
https://www.youtube.com/c/CrowleysRidgeCollegeParagould/live
Live stats:
http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
Live audio:
http://www.crcpioneers.com/pioneer-digital-network
The two squads meet again January 11 in McKenzie.
