MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats led by eight with 1:38 left in the game against Dalton State Saturday but the Road Runners showed why they are No. 3 in the nation with a big comeback to beat the Wildcats in overtime 107-101. Bethel dropped to 16-9 overall and 7-6 in the SSAC. DSU improved to 23-2 and 12-1. It was the 16th straight win for the Road Runners. It marked their second straight comeback as they came from behind at Blue Mountain to win Thursday.
It was 11th meeting between the two programs with DSU holding a 7-4 advantage in the series. The teams are 2-3 in games played in McKenzie. DSU won 85-84 in a game played back in January in Dalton.
Road Runner CJ Perry tied the game with a long three-pointer with 4.4 seconds left to even the game at 91. Bethel was called for a charge with a second left and the game went to overtime. Dalton scored the first ten points of the extra period and went on to win by six.
Dalton State led by as many as ten in both halves. Bethel fought back for the late lead but it wasn't to be. DSU was 37-of-65 from the field at 56 percent and hit eight three-pointers. Their ability to get in the paint for many of their shots proved to be a big key. DSU had a 63-42 advantage in points in the paint. The Runners were 25-of-34 from the free throw line. Bethel hit 32 -of -78 attempts to shoot 45 percent. The Wildcats knocked downed 12 three-pointers and hit 25-of-39 free throw attempts. Bethel won the battle of the boards at 38-30. Both squads had trouble with turnovers. Bethel had 18 while DSU committed 19 on the day.
Bethel's Javonte Ellis had a game high 28 points. Jarred Walker had 15 points and seven assists. Charles Cobb finished with 13 tallies while Chandler Clements had 11 points. Noah Chatman had nine points and ten rebounds. The Bethel bench outscored the DSU bench 36-17. Kevon Tucker led the Road Runners with 26 points. Aaron Burrress had 24 points and eight rebounds for DSU. Rodley Adjei had 21 points while Perry finished with 15 points.
Coach Jeff Britt said his team fought hard and had their chances. "We played well at times against what I feel is the best team in the country. We missed some opportunities but our effort was outstanding. Our straight line defense was a problem at times and that proved to be a big factor. We will regroup and get ready for a big road test next week at Blue Mountain."
Bethel returns to action next Saturday at Blue Mountain. Watch for a preview of the game this week at www.bethelathletics.com.
