Lady Wildcats Advance to NAIA Second Round with 67–51 Win Over Talladega

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel University Lady Wildcats are moving on in the 2026 NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship presented by Ballogy.

Behind a balanced offensive effort and a dominant first half, Bethel defeated Talladega (Ala.) 67–51 Friday evening at Crisp Arena to advance to the NAIA National Championship second round, where the Lady Cats will face Huntington (IN) University.

Bethel (26-5) set the tone early, building a 16–4 lead after the opening quarter as the Lady Wildcats' defense held Talladega to just two field goals in the period. The momentum continued in the second quarter when Bethel erupted for 28 points, pushing the halftime advantage to 44–13.

The Lady Cats shot an impressive 70.6 percent from the field in the second quarter and controlled the glass, finishing the night with a 41–23 rebounding edge.

MJ Simmons led Bethel with 14 points and six rebounds, while Kylee Alexander provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three three-pointers. Adalyn Koelling added 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and Madison Hart chipped in 10 points and six boards. Micah Hart also contributed six points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.

Bethel's depth proved to be a major factor as the Lady Wildcats' bench contributed 32 points in the win.

Talladega (17-11) was led by Teanna Watts with 15 points, while Olympia Chaney added nine points and six rebounds. The Tornadoes mounted a late push in the fourth quarter with 28 points, but Bethel's early lead proved too much to overcome.

The Lady Wildcats finished the game shooting 42.6 percent from the field and knocked down eight three-pointers while also generating 16 second-chance points.

Bethel head coach Chris Nelson praised his team's effort following the win.

"We came out with great energy and focus tonight," Nelson said. "Our defense in the first half really set the tone for the game, and I thought our bench gave us a huge effort, especially in the first half."

Bethel will now advance to the NAIA National Championship second round where the Lady Wildcats will face Huntington with a chance to continue their postseason run.