Cats Beat UTS to Hand Coach Britt 500th Career Win
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats and the (RV) Tennessee Southern FireHawks had a typical knock down drag out MSC affair Thursday night in Crisp Arena. In the end it would be the Cats prevailing 70-60. In doing so, the Cats helped Coach Jeff Britt earn his 500th career victory. Ironically, Coach Britt won his 400th game on the UTS/Martin Methodist floor back in 2016 when the Cats defeated Pikeville in the SSAC/MSC Challenge.
The game featured five ties and 16 lead changes.
Bethel shot 43 percent (24-55) from the floor. UTS was 23-of-62 from the filed at 37 percent. The ability to get to the free throw line was big for the Wildcats as they hit 20-of-25 free throws.
The Cats dominated the boards with a 41-19 margin. The Cats had a 36-26 margin in points off the bench.
Jose Nazario led Bethel with a game high 23 points. Connor Guthrie and Dimitrije Stojanovic both came off the bench with 10 points each. A J Burnett was solid with seven points and six boards, most of those in the second half. Querrion Gadson finished with nine points and six boards.
Adarion Hudson led the FireHawks with 15 points. C J Greer 12 points while Kendall Wright had 10 points for UTS.
Coach Britt spoke about the win, "I thought our kids showed a lot of grit and toughness tonight. UTS is a really good team and very well coached. Our rebounding, low fouls and shooting our free throws well were all big keys."
Coach Britt talked about the historic milestone win. "On win number 500, it's another win, and I feel fortunate to be able to coach and be around the game this long. Growing up in Sedalia, Kentucky I have loved the game since I was a little boy and I have always cherished playing and coaching. All the praise goes to some wonderful and talented players and coaches who I have been blessed with. I am sincerely grateful to them, the university, and a loving and supportive family."
Bethel improved to 7-4 overall and 3-3 in the MSC. UTS dropped to 7-3 and 4-2.
The Wildcats return to the hardwood Saturday traveling to Lebanon to meet the Cumberland University Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Game Coverage:
Live stats:
https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/boxscores/20221215_s5ls.xml
Watch:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/cu/
Tickets:
https://www.gocumberlandathletics.com/tickets/