Cats Lose Lead and Fall to Blue Mountain Christian

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats led Blue Mountain 35-25 late in the first half and 35-28 at the break but gave up 59 points in the second half and lost 87-75 to the Toppers Monday night in Crisp Arena.

BMCC's Manny Patrick scored all of his 20 points in the second half and sparked the Toppers to a 59-40 advantage in the final 20 minutes. Jalen Boyd -Savage joined Patrick for team scoring honors with 20 points in the game.

 BMCC hit seven of their 11 three pointers in the half and 20 of their 22 free throw attempts to secure the win. BMCC finished 22-of-27 from the charity stripe.  

The Wildcats had a higher shooting percentage from the floor but struggled from the line hitting just 12-of -23 free throw attempts. The Cats also outrebounded the Toppers 43-25 but committed 17 turnovers in the loss. The Toppers had a 15-5 advantage in points off turnovers. 

Five Wildcats scored in double figures. Querrion Gadson led the Cats with 20 points.  Brennon Marsh had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Tyler Neeley had 13 points while Dimtrije Stojanovic finished with 10 points. Freshman Ethan Turner had another strong outing with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. 

Bethel had their four-game winning streak snapped and fell to 5-2 while BMCC improved to 4-2.

Bethel is 122-49 all-time in Crisp Arena.

Coach Jeff Britt said, "We knew Blue Mountain would shoot a lot of three-pointers and did not defend well at times. When they get in a rhythm, they are hard to stop. Several guys played well but overall we had too many breakdowns on the defensive end.  You cannot give up 49 points in a half and expect to win."

The Wildcats jump back into action later this week traveling to Hannibal -LaGrange Saturday with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m.  Moreo