Cats Take Home Win Heading into Conference Play

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University men's basketball closed out non-conference play with an 84–79 victory over Blue Mountain Christian on Saturday afternoon at Crisp Arena, improving to 14–2 on the season.

The Wildcats held a narrow 44–41 advantage at halftime and maintained control down the stretch, matching Blue Mountain Christian score-for-score in the second half to secure the five-point win.

Chauncey Hughes III led Bethel with a game-high 23 points while adding four assists. David Starr provided a strong performance off the bench, finishing with 13 points and five assists, while Alonzo Rhodes Jr. contributed 11 points and seven rebounds on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting performance from the field. Ethan Turner recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds as Bethel dominated the glass, outrebounding the Toppers 46–27. In two wins over the Toppers this season, Bethel had outrebounded BMCU 89-50.

Bethel shot 42.9 percent from the field and went 23-of-31 from the free-throw line, while also holding a 34–21 advantage in bench points. Blue Mountain Christian (3–10, 0–6) was led by Michael Hill's 23 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Boyd-Savage added 19 points, including four three-pointers, and Gavin Shannon finished with 13 points. The Toppers shot 41.5 percent from the field and stayed within striking distance throughout but were unable to overcome Bethel's rebounding and free-throw efficiency.

Coach Jeff Britt commented, "We knew this would be a tough and game and it was. I am proud of how our guys responded and played at the end. Our rebounding played a huge part in the victory." 

With the victory, Bethel heads into conference play riding momentum, while Blue Mountain Christian continues league competition I the SSAC next week.

The Wildcats start conference play hosting the University of Cumberlands Thursday night.