MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The No. 14 Bethel Lady Wildcats answered the challenge of Coach Chris Nelson with a great effort against No. 23 St. Xavier Monday night in Crisp Arena but unfortunately lost a 75-74 heartbreaker to the visiting Cougars.
The loss followed a disappointing and rare home loss Saturday that had seen Coach Nelson challenge his squad after the game to play with more passion, energy and confidence.
The Cats had lost for only the 16th time ever in the building with that 62-53 loss to UPIKE Saturday afternoon. Only once in the nine years of play in Crisp has Bethel lost two straight games. They fell to FHU and Pikeville back to back in the 2017-18 season. Bethel is 123-17 in Crisp.
Bethel dropped to 5-3 while St. Xavier won their season opener. The Cougars lead the series 3-0.
Due to various reasons both teams played short-handed. Bethel played without their leading scorer, freshman Ever Walker who sat out to due to an injury.
Bethel led 24-13 after the first quarter. They moved the lead to as many as 14 with a 45-31 margin late in the second stanza. The Lady Cats led at halftime 47-36 but St. Xavier outscored the Cats 23-11 in the third quarter and led 59-58 after three. The fourth quarter was nip-and-tuck with several lead changes. Bethel's Ashton Hulme hit two free throws to give Bethel a 74-73 lead with 36 seconds left. Brianna Flayter knocked down two free throws for St. Xavier in the waning seconds which proved to be the difference. Bethel was unable to get a last second shot off and St. Xavier prevailed.
Millie Bryant led Bethel with a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Hulme scored 19 points.
Meg Knutson came off the Cougar bench and sparked St. Xavier with a team high 17 points. She was one of four St. Xavier players in double figures.
Bethel had a 33-24 advantage in points in the paint but St. Xavier had a 20-8 margin in points off turnovers. The Lady Cats committed 20 turnovers in the game.
Coach Nelson commented, "I am so proud of our ladies and the way they responded tonight. They did everything we asked of them. It was a great game against an outstanding team. We had some mistakes which hurt us but we will clean that up as we gain more experience in our backcourt. Millie and Ashton led us and gave us a chance to win. We will have a couple of days to get ready for a good Cumberland University squad."
The Lady Wildcats return to action Friday at 4 p.m. hosting MSC and longtime rival Cumberland University.
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 immediately after the men's game. The Wildcats host the Phoenix at 1:30 p.m. with the pregame beginning at 1 p.m.
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
