Turnovers Hurt Wildcats in Home Loss to Cumberland University

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Turnovers proved to be the undoing of the Bethel Wildcats in their 78-68 loss to Cumberland University Saturday afternoon in Crisp Arena.

 The Wildcats turned it over a season high 24 times. CU had a 26-15 advantage in points off turnovers.

The Phoenix attempted 20 more field goals than the Wildcats and hit ten more baskets than the Cats. Another difference factor was the CU bench outscored the Wildcat bench 24-17.

Drew Thomas led Bethel with 17 points. Jon Brown was saddled with foul trouble but finished with 18 points and a team high eight rebounds. Jamarius Mayberry scored 14 and had a team high four assists.

Tavon King led the Phoenix with 20 points. Tyler Byrd came off the CU bench and scored 16 huge points. Isaac Stephens hurt the Cats in the paint, finishing with 14 tallies. Cumberland had a 44-24 margin in points in the paint. T J Stargell was in double figures with 13 points.

Bethel dropped to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the MSC. Cumberland improved to 4-1 and 1-1.

Coach Jeff Britt said he hopes his team can learn a lesson from the loss. "Give Cumberland a lot of credit. They were aggressive and forced us into too many turnovers. You can't win turning the ball over that many times. I hope we can learn our lesson from this and see if we can get better."   

The Cats host Crowley's Ridge Tuesday at 11 a.m. It will be School Day for the Wildcats. Several area schools will be in attendance.

Media coverage & Links:

For Complete Game Day Notes visit:

https://bethelathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/2021-22_Men-s_Basketball_Game_Notes_-_Nov._20.pdf.

Live stats:

https://bethelathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/boxscores/20211118_sg8k.xml

Live video:

https://bethelathletics.com/WildcatStreaming

Live radio: WEIO, 1009.

https://streamdb6web.securenetsystems.net/v5/WEIO

Fans are reminded tickets for all basketball games at Crisp Arena must be purchased in advance. This will be the norm the remainder of the season.

Fans can purchase tickets with their credit cards only.

Tickets:

https://bethel.prestosports.com/bethel-box-office

It is suggested fans wear a mask and practice social distancing outside their family group. These suggestions are for the safety of each and to assure our student-athletes can complete their seasons in a healthy environment.

Check out Game Notes for both games at www.bethelathletics.com