Lady Cats Host Tougaloo
MCKENZIE, Tenn. –After their 90-50 victory over Arkansas Baptist Thursday night, the Bethel Lady Wildcats have a quick turnaround hosting the Tougaloo Bulldogs Saturday at 1 p.m. in Crisp Arena.
The Wildcats enter the non-conference affair at 5-4 while the Bulldogs are 7-8. The Cats sport a 5-2 home record on the year while Tougaloo has struggled on the road at 1-6.
Last Game: BU
The Lady Wildcats wasted no time in beating visiting Arkansas Baptist. 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.
Entering the ABU 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 he 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).
Last Game: TC
Tougaloo lost 82-53 to Freed-Hardeman Friday night in Henderson. The Bulldogs have lost five of their last seven games. Tougaloo is a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
Cat Scratches:
The Wildcats average 70.6 points per game. They are giving up 60.7 per outing. Bethel out rebounds their opponents 34-29 per contest.
Ryann Roberts leads Bethel in scoring 15.3 points per game. Bryant averages 14.8 per game. Keely Morrow averages 13.1 points per game.
The Lady Cats shoot 38 percent from behind the three-point line.
Bulldog Bites:
The Dawgs average 57.6 points per game and yield 60.9. Dominique Caldwell leads the team averaging 11.0 points per game. Berniya Hardin follows at 10.7 per outing.
Special Presentation before Tip-off:
After her special night Thursday, Bryant will be honored before the game.
Coaches:
Coach Chris Nelson is in his 16th season as the head coach of the Lady Wildcats. Nelson is 334-159 and ranks 15th in wins among active coaches in the NAIA.
Coach Keith Barnes Sr. is in his 4th season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
Media coverage & Links
The Countdown to Tip-off Show begins at 12:30 p.m.
Official Game Day Notes:
https://bethelathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/2021-22_Women-s_Basketball_Game_Notes_-_Dec._11.pdf
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.