Cats Put Up a Fight but Fall to No. 1 Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Ky. -The Bethel Wildcats fell to No. 1 Georgetown 86-77 Thursday night in Georgetown.

The Tigers led 42-34 at the half. Georgetown extended their lead to double digits several times in the second half, but Bethel hung tough and stayed within striking distance before falling by nine.

The Wildcats shot 38 percent from the field. The Cats struggled from outside, hitting just five of 21 three-point attempts. Bethel was 18-of-27 from the foul line.

GC shot 49 percent from the floor and hit seven three pointers. The Tigers were 21-of-27 from the charity stripe.

Bethel had a 40-30 rebound advantage but committed 16 turnovers.

D J Starr and Trevor Chatman led the Wildcats with 13 points each. Chauncy Hughes III had 12 points   while Ethan Turner had eight points and a team high nine rebounds. 

Jaquin Franklin came off the GC bench to score a game high 18 points.

It was Bethel's third straight loss. The Cats dropped to 12-6 and 0-3 in the Mid-South Conference.

The Tigers improved to 18-0 and 2-0. GC remained unbeaten at home at 10-0. It is the best start for the Tigers since 2019 when they opened up 20-0.

It was the 17th meeting between the two programs with the Tigers holding a 14-3 advantage in the series.

Coach Jeff Britt commented, "I was pleased with our effort. Georgetown is worthy of their No. 1 ranking. Our young men played hard, and I am proud of how we hung in there. If we continue to play hard good things will begin to happen."  

The Cats remain in the Commonwealth traveling to the University of the Cumberlands Saturday. The tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. CT.

Watch:

https://cumberlandspatriots.com/watch/?Live=977&type=Live

Stats:

https://cumberlandspatriots.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary