Tigers Edge Cats in Wild One

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –The Bethel Wildcats dropped their second in a row as a result of  a hard fought 72-68 loss at Campbellsville Saturday afternoon. The last five minutes had a bit of everything, including technical fouls, missed opportunities and turnovers for both sides.

The Wildcats shot 32 percent in the first half while the Tigers shot 43 percent from the floor in the first twenty minutes. The Tigers owned a 33-24 lead at the break. Arafat Shaibu led the Wildcats with 12 first half points.

The second half saw both squads making big plays and after several ties it was apparent the game would go down to the wire.

The Cats got two big baskets from senior Jarred Walker to take a 52-49 lead with nine minutes left. The Tigers then outscored the Wildcats 13-2 to take a 62-54 margin. After CU took a 68-59 lead, the Wildcats fought back to cut the deficit to just two points. The rally came after technical fouls were called on the Tigers. A bit of emotions broke out after a Jon Brown basket that had cut the CU led to 68-61. Foul shots later, the Cats pulled to within two at 68-66. Campbellsville would hold on however and move to 9-3 overall and 2-2 in the MSC. The Wildcats dropped to 5-3 and 1-3. CU leads the overall series between the two at 5-2.

Bethel shot 24-of-71 from the floor at 33 percent. The Tigers hit 22- of -54 attempts at 42 percent. Both teams struggled from outside hitting five three-pointers each. Campbellsville had a 41-38 rebound advantage.

Drew Thomas led Bethel with 16 points. Shaibu followed with 12 while Jarred Walker and Brown finished with 11 points each.

Four Tigers finished in double figures with Malachi De Sousa leading his squad with 15 points.

Coach Jeff Britt remains 14 wins shy of 500 in his career.

The Wildcats return to the hardwood Tuesday traveling to Oakland City for a 7 p.m. tip-off against the Mighty Oaks. Bethel beat the Oaks 74-62 on November 13 in Crisp Arena.