Millie Bryant & Lady Wildcats Enjoy Win Big over Arkansas Baptist
MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The Bethel Lady Wildcats wasted no time in beating visiting Arkansas Baptist Thursday night in Crisp Arena. Moving to 133-22 all-time in the building, the Lady Cats jumped out to a big first quarter lead (27-9) and won 90-50. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and enabled (RV) Bethel to move to 5-4 on the season. The Buffaloes dropped to 0-15.
History Making Night: Entering the game, Bethel senior Millie Bryant had 989 career points and 509 career rebounds. With her 14 points Millie became just the 19th player in program history to score 1,000 points or more in a career. She is the 16th Lady Cat to have 500 or more career (514) rebounds. Bryant became just the 10th player is program history to score over 1,000 points and grab 500 or more rebounds. Bryant's free throw at the 5:14 mark of the second quarter etched her name in the record book forever.
The Cats had a staggering rebound advantage at 47-17. Bethel's defense forced the Buffs into 21 turnovers which allowed them to have a 24-12 margin in points off turnovers. The Lady Cats shot 46 percent from the floor and knocked down 13 three-pointers in their highest scoring game of the year.
Thirteen different players scored for Bethel. Coming back from a two-game absence, Ryann Roberts led the attack with 17 points. She hit five treys on the night. Joining Bryant in double figures were Kyla Taylor (12) and Keely Morrow (10).
ABU's Anna Kassim led all scorers with 22 points.
Coach Chris Nelson was pleased with the win and Millie's history setting night. "Our ladies did exactly what we wanted. They jumped out to the big lead, and this allowed us to play a lot of people. Ryann and Keely got us off to the fast start. Our rebounding and defense were rock solid from the start." Nelson added, "We are so proud of Millie. She was a really good player at Dresden High School and with hard work and improvement she has made herself into a great collegiate player. This is a great accomplishment for her and our program. We are really proud of her."
The Lady Cats remain at home for a 1 p.m. tip-off Saturday against Tougaloo. Bryant will be honored before tip-off.
The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins at 12:30 p.m.
Media coverage & Links
Video stream:
https://bethelathletics.com/WildcatStreaming
Stat link:
https://bethelathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/boxscores/20211209_aisj.xml
Radio Link: WEIO, 100.9 will join the game in progress.
https://streamdb6web.securenetsystems.net/v5/WEIO
Fans are reminded tickets for all basketball games at Crisp Arena must be purchased in advance. This will be the norm the remainder of the season.
Fans can purchase tickets with their credit cards only.
Tickets:
https://bethel.prestosports.com/bethel-box-office
It is suggested fans wear a mask and practice social distancing outside their family group. These suggestions are for the safety of each and to assure our student-athletes can complete their seasons in a healthy environment.
