MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats had hoped to avenge their earlier season loss to Lindsey Wilson but it wasn't to be as the Cats lost a heartbreaker to the visitors from the Commonwealth, falling 80-77 Thursday night in Crisp Arena.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 2-0 lead but played catch-up the remainder of the first 20 minutes. LWC led by as many as 11 points in the half and went on to lead 43-37 at the beak.
The Blue Raiders upped their lead to 58-50 with 12 minutes left in the second half. Bethel answered and took a 64-62 lead with just under seven minutes left. Lindsey Wilson answered with a 10-0 run and it proved to be too much for the Wildcats to overcome.
The Cats fought hard until the bitter end. After seeing LWC take a 78-71 lead with 30 seconds left, Jarred Walker nailed two straight three-pointers to the Cats a chance. LWC led 80-77 with three seconds left but a desperation three point attempt from half court by Myron McKinney hit the rim and went astray as the Raiders took the win.
Bethel dropped to 9-10 and 3-10 in the MSC. The Raiders improved to 5-11 and 3-10. The Raiders had lost nine of their last ten games.
Bethel is 6- 5 at home this season and 110-34 all-time in Crisp Arena. LWC won their first road game of the year and is now 1-6 in road games on the season.
Lindsey Wilson shot 45.3 percent from the floor while the Wildcats shot 36.4 from the field. Bethel committed 17 turnovers and it proved costly as LWC had a 24-13 margin in points off turnovers. The Blue Raiders had a 56-41 advantage in points in the paint. Bethel had a poor night from the free throw line hitting just 14-of-26 attempts.
Each Bethel starter finished in double figures. Jamarius Mayberry led the Wildcats with 18 points. Jon Brown had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Walker and Chandler Clements each finished with 12 points while Kamron Rose had 10 tallies and nine boards.
Josh Smith had a career-high 28 points for the Blue Raiders.
Coach Jeff Britt commented, "Our defense was not very good at times tonight but give Lindsey a lot of credit. Our kids played hard but it shows how good the MSC is from top to bottom. We have to regroup and get ready for a tough road game Saturday."
The Wildcats return to action Saturday at rival Cumberland University in Lebanon. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. It will be the 23rd meeting between the two programs with Cumberland leading the series 17-5. The Phoenix defeated Bethel 83-74 on December 11 in Crisp Arena.
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