MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Five Wildcats scored in double figures, but Bethel could not hold off unbeaten Ave Maria in a 96–90 loss Saturday in the Chick-fil-A Classic at Crisp Arena.
Bethel slipped to 1–2, while the visiting Gyrenes improved to 4–0.
The Wildcats shot 52.3 percent in the opening half and knocked down five three-pointers, building a nine-point advantage with 2:29 remaining before taking a 53–51 lead into intermission.
Ave Maria turned the game in its favor after the break, connecting on eight three-pointers and outscoring Bethel 45–37. The Gyrenes led by as many as nine with 1:31 remaining. Bethel shot 38.2 percent in the second half, including 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Alonzo Rhodes Jr. led the Wildcats with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots. Brevin Phillips posted a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive end.
Ethan Turner added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Jalen Anglin scored 15 off the bench, hitting three three-pointers. Joe Wimberly finished with 10 points, seven assists and three steals.
George Sabatini paced Ave Maria with 21 points off the bench. Marlon Bennett contributed 18, while Alex Sherwood recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds. Rico Byrd and Noah Lovan added nine points apiece.
Bethel held a 45–40 rebounding edge and collected 17 offensive boards. The Wildcats also outscored the Gyrenes 54–38 in the paint and 16–8 on fast breaks.
Ave Maria countered with an 11–6 advantage in made three-pointers and scored 23 points at the free-throw line to Bethel's 12. The Gyrenes shot 50 percent overall, while the Wildcats finished at 46.2 percent.
The contest featured six lead changes.
Bethel's Jaylin Anglin was named to the all-classic team.
The Wildcats travel to Gallatin   to face Welch College on Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.