COCHRAN, Ga. – After a tough loss Thursday at Faulkner, the Bethel Wildcats bounced back with a remarkable come from behind 71-68 win at Middle Georgia State Saturday in Cochran. The Cats moved to 15-8 overall and 6-5 in the SSAC. MGS dropped to 9-11 and 5-6. Bethel is 6-4 all-time versus Middle Georgia.
Bethel managed just five points in the first 11 minutes and trailed 17-5 at one point. They trailed 26-6 with five minutes left in the half. Bethel outscored the Knights 15- 8 to pull to within 34-21 at the break. The Cats shot just 20 percent in the half hitting just seven of their 35 attempts from the field. Middle Georgia had 13 field goals. Myron McKinney led Bethel with 11 first half points.
Seven early second half points by Bethel's Javonte Ellis enabled the Wildcats to cut the deficit to 36-30 four minutes into the half. The Knights went on a run outscoring BU 14-7 to take a 50-37 lead. Three-pointers by Charles Cobb and Ellis cut the MGS lead to 50-43. Behind points from Ellis and Cayden Edmonson Bethel pulled to within 54-52 with nine minutes remaining. Ellis was relentless, knocking down two three's to give Bethel a 58-57 lead with seven minutes left in regulation. After that both teams went nip-and tuck for the remainder of the game. Spurred on by the scoring of Edmonson and Ellis the Wildcats found themselves in a tie at 68 with one minute left. An offensive rebound and free throw by Noah Chatman gave Bethel a 69-68 lead. A basket by Jarred Walker on an assist from Chatman gave Bethel the 71-68 victory.
Bethel hit nine three's and was 12-of-20 from the free throw line. The Wildcats had a 48-30 commanding advantage in rebounds and finished with a 32-24 margin in points in the paint. Ellis led the Cats with 25 points. Edmonson had 14 points and 10 boards. McKinney finished with 11. Chatman had six points and a career high 18 rebounds. Walker had eight tallies and three assists. Michael Graham led the Knights with 20 points.
Coach Jeff Britt poise and senior leadership were big factors in the win. "Our young men keeping their composure was a huge factor. Our seniors led the way in the second half and seeing our entire team responding with their character being tested was impressive."
Bethel resumes action Thursday at home playing host to rival Martin Methodist. The Wildcats lost to the Hawks earlier this season in Pulaski on a three point shot at the buzzer.
Tip-off from Crisp Arena will be at 7:30 p.m. The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins following the women's game on WEIO, 100.9 and at: https://www.thefarmradio.com/
Live video on Wildcat Vision:
http://www.bethelathletics.com/f/WildcatVision.php
Live stats:
http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
