Posted: Jan 09, 2026

Lady Cats Open Home Conference Play with Statement Win Over No. 16 Cumberland

MCKENZIE, Tenn. —The No. 1 ranked Bethel Lady Wildcats made a -powerful statement Thursday night in their home conference opener, knocking off No. 16-ranked Cumberlands (Ky.) 74–67 in Crisp Arena.

Bethel (16-1, 1-0) controlled the game from the opening tip, using balanced scoring and efficient shooting to build momentum against one of the top teams in the conference. The Lady Cats led 18–13 after the first quarter and steadily extended their advantage with strong play on both ends of the floor.

The second quarter proved pivotal, as Bethel shot 50 percent from the field and outscored the Patriots 19–15 to take a 37–28 lead into halftime. The Lady Cats continued to apply pressure in the third period, shooting an impressive 56.3 percent and pushing the margin to double digits before heading into the final quarter up 58–45.

Cumberlands (15-2, 0-1) attempted to rally late, outscoring Bethel 22–16 in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Cats stayed composed down the stretch to secure the seven-point victory.

Micah Hart led all scorers with a standout performance, pouring in 28 points on 11-of-25 shooting, including three three-pointers, while also grabbing eight rebounds. MJ Simmons added an efficient 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, and Mikee Buchanan chipped in 14 points to give Bethel three players in double figures. Bethel finished the night shooting 43.5 percent from the field and set the tone defensively throughout the contest.

"I'm really proud of our effort and our composure tonight," said head coach Chris Nelson. "Cumberlands is a very good, well-coached team, and I thought our players trusted each other, defended at a high level, and made big plays when it mattered. That's the kind of toughness we want to show at home."

Cumberlands was led by Jaydyn Carrico with 20 points and Peyton Mounce with 14, but the Patriots were held to just 31.3 percent shooting for the game.

The Lady Cats will continue home conference play on Saturday when they welcome No. 25 Georgetown College to Crisp Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CST as Bethel looks to build on its momentum following the win over a nationally ranked opponent.

It will be Pepsi Mid-America/Dr. Pepper Day with special giveaways and a special presentation at halftime of the women's game.