TUSCALOOOSA, Ala. – The Bethel Wildcats traveled to Tuscaloosa Thursday night attempting to avenge an earlier season 72-67 loss to the Stillman Tigers. It wasn't to be however as Bethel led by 12 with six minutes left only to see Stillman rally and win in overtime 92-87.
Eight different Wildcats scored in the first half which led to a 44-40 Bethel lead at the break. Chandler Clements led the Cats with nine points. Noah Chatman had eight rebounds and three assists while Jarred Walker contributed with six assists. Bethel's ability to get to the foul line knocking down eight of 12 free throw attempts was a factor in the half.
Back from a recent injury, Bethel's Cameron Ricks set the tone for the second half knocking down an early three-pointer to give Bethel a 47-40 margin. The Wildcats would outscore the Tigers 17-9 in the first eight minutes of the half to lead 59-46. The Wildcats maintained their momentum and led 71-59 with six minutes left. After Stillman cut the margin to 73-67, Walker knocked down a three and the Cats led 76-67 with two minutes remaining. Stillman scored nine unanswered, capped off by a game tying three pointer by Giovanni Bray at the buzzer to send the game to overtime tied at 76 all.
The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 16-11 in the overtime and went on to win by five.
The teams combined for 42 turnovers. Bethel had 25 while Stillman had 27 in the game. The Wildcats had a 28-20 margin in points off turnovers. The Cats had a 52-40 advantage in points in the paint but Stillman had a 34-21 margin in points off the bench. The Tigers finished with ten made three-pointers while Bethel was 4-of-20 from behind the arc.
Bethel's Noah Chatman was brilliant with a career high 25 points, 17 rebounds and five assists. He came within one rebound of matching his career high of 18. Javonte Ellis had 13 points while Cayden Edmonson had 12 points. Walker had 10 points and 12 assists. Prince McDaniel led the Tigers with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Wildcats fell to 16-11 overall and 7-8 in the SSAC. The Tigers improved to 16-9 and 8-7. The Tigers hold a 3-1 margin in the series.
The Wildcats travel to Mobile for a Saturday 2 p.m. tip-off versus the Rams.
Live stats:
http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/TeamSchedule.aspx?association=10&sg=WBB&sea=NAIWBB_2019&team=329
Live video:
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