Banged up Cats Give Great Effort Before Falling at Cumberland U

LEBANON, Tenn. –The short-handed Bethel Wildcats dropped their sixth straight with an 71-66 loss at Cumberland University Thursday night in Lebanon. The Cats fell to 10-11 and 2-11 in the MSC. The Phoenix moved to 12-5 and 8-5. CU has won four of their last five. It was CU's second victory over the Wildcats this season.

Even though the Wildcats lost, it wasn't because of effort or gamesmanship.

Bethel played the game without three of their four top leading scorers in Jon Brown, Drew Thomas and Jamarius Mayberry.  Due to illness, Coach Jeff Britt was the only coach on the bench as well.

The Cats hung tough in the first half and trailed just 36-30 at the break. Bethel shot 39 percent from the floor and was 0-of-8 in three-point attempts. CU shot 51 percent from the field in the half and hit just one three pointer in eight attempts. Hayden Thomas kept the Wildcats close with 10 points.

The Wildcats continued to stay strong in the second half, trailing just 48-42 with ten minutes left in the game. Cumberland would maintain a lead for the remainder of the contest, but the shorthanded Cats made them earn it. Bethel trailed 66-50 with 4:40 left but the Wildcats wouldn't quit. The Cats cut the deficit to 68-66 with nine seconds left but CU would go on to win. 

Bethel shot 48 percent from the field and was 4-of-18 in three-point attempts.

CU shot 50 percent from the floor and was 5-of-17 in treys. The Phoenix had a 37-36 rebound advantage.

Thomas led Bethel with 13 points. Jarred Walker scored all of his 12 points in the second half. LaDarrius Chigano finished with 12 tallies.

Isaac Stephens had a game high 19 points for CU. 

The Wildcats play next at Lindsey Wilson College on Saturday. Game time is at 4 p.m. CST.

Video stream:

https://portal.stretchinternet.com/cu/

Live Stats:

https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/boxscores/20220127_ya11.xml

Tickets:  

Lindsey Wilson released the following statement about fan attendance for those games.

"In order to reduce capacity and socially distance in our gym, we are now requiring home and visiting fans to be on a pass list to attend our basketball games.  Visiting teams will be allowed up to 50 fans for single games and 75 for doubleheaders." 

If you wish to attend and in order for you to be included on the list, contact Coach Chris Nelson at nelsonc@bethelu.edu or Coach Jeff Britt at brittj@bethelu.edu.

Admission is $ 10.00.  Only individuals on the pass list will be allowed to attend the game.  Face masks are required to enter the gym and must be worn correctly while in the building.