Cats Fight Hard but Fall to No. 3 FHU in Henderson

HENDERSON, Tenn. – In a game that was much closer than the final score would indicate, the Bethel Wildcats dropped a hard-fought game to No.3 Freed-Hardeman Saturday night in Henderson, falling 90-77.

After trailing at halftime 45-37 at half, the Wildcats stayed in striking distance much of the second half and only trailed by three with six minutes left in the game.

The Lions converted on several key possessions and won by 13.

The Cats shot 46 percent from the floor and hit eight three-pointers. Bethel was 19-of-26 from the free throw line. FHU shot 50 percent from the field and hit seven treys. Freed was 31-of-35 from the charity stripe.

Both teams struggled with turnovers. Bethel had 25 while FHU committed 19. Bethel had a 29-27 margin in rebounds.

Trevor Chapman led the Wildcats with 18 points. Ethan Turner had 16 tallies and a game high seven rebounds.

FHU was led Makai Vassell who had 18 points. Vassell was 10-of-11 from the free throw line. Jayson Nixon followed with 17 points.

The Wildcats dropped to 12-5 and 0-2 in the MSC. No. 3 Freed is 16-1 and 1-0 in the league.

Coach Jeff Britt commented, "I am really proud of our effort. We battled and gave one of the top teams in the nation a battle until the end. We hung in there despite fighting adversity at times. Freed is hard to defend because they have a lot of weapons and are well coached squad."

The Wildcats travel to No. 1 Georgetown Thursday. Watch for a preview to the game later at www.bethelathletics.com