MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Five Lady Wildcats scored in double figures as Bethel University defeated UT Southern 74–57 Tuesday night in Crisp Arena.
Bethel improved to 3–0, while the visiting Firehawks fell to 2–3.
Micah Hart, Mikee Buchanan, and MJ Simmons shared scoring honors for the Lady Wildcats with 13 points each. Adalyn Koelling added 12 points off the bench, while Grace Billington finished with 11.
After UT Southern scored the game's first four points, Bethel answered with a basket by Hart and consecutive three-pointers from Buchanan to take an 8–4 lead. The Lady Wildcats never trailed again, building a 22–14 advantage after the opening quarter.
Bethel took control in the second period, outscoring the Firehawks 20–9 to carry a 42–23 lead into halftime. Buchanan scored 13 of her points in the first half as the Lady Wildcats connected on eight three-pointers before the break.
Both teams scored 10 points in the third quarter, leaving Bethel ahead 52–33 entering the final period. The Lady Wildcats added 22 fourth-quarter points to secure their third consecutive victory.
Hart went 6-of-10 from the field and contributed five rebounds and three steals. Simmons added four rebounds and three assists, while Buchanan finished with three three-pointers, three rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.
Koelling made all three of her free throws, and Billington connected on three shots from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Kylie Reynolds chipped in six points and five rebounds. Hallie Turner led Bethel with four assists.
The Lady Wildcats shot 40.3 percent from the floor, made 11-of-32 three-point attempts, and went 9-of-10 at the foul line. Bethel collected 12 steals and forced 18 turnovers, turning those miscues into 18 points.
Ramie Reid paced UT Southern with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ansley Burleson added nine points on three three-pointers, while Abbilyn Teter grabbed nine rebounds.
The Firehawks held a 40–31 rebounding advantage but shot 35.6 percent from the field and made 5-of-18 attempts from three-point range.
Bethel has a week off before they return to action at home next Tuesday to host Bryan College at 5:30 p.m.