MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Ethan Turner scored the winning layup with eight seconds remaining, and Bethel delivered a defensive stand in the closing seconds to defeat Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 71–69 at Crisp Arena.
The Wildcats earned their first victory of the season, improving to 1–1. The visiting Pomeroys fell to 3–2.
Bethel carried a 39–29 advantage into halftime, but Saint Mary-of-the-Woods rallied in the second half. EJ Reese finished a layup off an assist from Zayvion Baker with 33 seconds remaining to tie the contest at 69.
Turner answered with the decisive basket, giving him 12 points on the night. At the other end, Brevin Phillips blocked Reese's layup attempt in the closing seconds. Amadou Ceesay collected the offensive rebound, but his follow-up jumper missed with two seconds remaining as the Wildcats held on.
Jaylin Anglin led Bethel with 13 points, while Alonzo Rhodes Jr., Jason Leek and Turner added 12 apiece. Leek hit two of Bethel's three pointers. Rhodes completed his double-double with ten rebounds.  Phillips tossed in 10 points.
Ceesay, KC Chandler, and Mike Elliott each scored 11 points for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Reese also finished with 11, while Ceesay collected 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Bethel shot 43.9 percent from the floor, connecting on 29 of 66 attempts. The Wildcats made 3 of 18 from three-point range and went 10 of 16 at the free-throw line.
The Pomeroys finished 26 of 65 from the field for 40 percent, including 6 of 24 from beyond the arc. They converted 11 of 18 free throws and held a 39–33 rebounding advantage.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods outscored Bethel 40–32 after halftime, but Turner's timely finish and the Wildcats' final defensive stand secured the two-point victory.
The Wildcats meet Ave Maria at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Ave Marie beat UT Southern 106-76 in the earlier game.  UTS meets SMWC at 2 p.m.