Wildcats Beat Crowley’s Ridge Before Huge Crowd in Crisp

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats closed out the semester with a morning home game Thursday against Crowley's Ridge. The game was played before a packed house in Crisp Arena with hundreds of area school children joining Bethel fans to cheer on the Wildcats.

After leading by as many as twelve at the 13:25 mark of the first half, the Cats actually trailed by as many as eight in the second half. Behind Trevor Chatman, the Cats stormed back to win 86-81.

Bethel moved to 11-2 on the season while CRC dropped to 7-5.

Chatman had several key baskets down the stretch and finished with a team high of 21 points. He had 14 tallies in the second half. D J Starr scored 14, with ten of those in the first half. Connor Guthrie was huge in the second half, scoring all of his 13 points in the last twenty minutes. Chauncey Hughes III finished in double digits with 13 points. Brennon Marsh led the Cats in rebounding with eight boards. He has 24 rebounds in Bethel's last two games.

Zak Brown led CRC with 21 points. 

Bethel shot 45 percent from the field and hit four three-pointers. CRC shot 42 percent and hit eight three-pointers. The Wildcats outrebounded the Pioneers 30-27.

The game featured 61 free throw attempts between the teams. Bethel was 26-of-34 from the line. The Pioneers were 19-of-27 from the stripe.

Coach Jeff Britt commented, "It was an electric atmosphere. We appreciate the area schools being here and cheering on our squad. Our young men loved it and met with many of the area youngsters after the game signing autographs and getting to know many of them." Coach Britt added, "I thought both teams played hard, and we are pleased to get this win before the break. We want to thank our fans for their support and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Cats return to action January 2 traveling to UT Southern.