Fast Start Propels Tigers in Win Over Wildcats

MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The Bethel Wildcats dropped their fifth straight with an 80-62 loss to the No. 17 Georgetown Tigers Saturday afternoon in Crisp Arena.

The loss dropped the Wildcats to 10-10 overall and 2-10 in the MSC. The Tigers moved to 16-2 and 9-2. It was GC's 8th straight win.

The Tigers ran out to a 31-8 lead and led at halftime 53-24. A big part of the GC success was their three-point shooting in the half. They connected on 11 of their 13 treys in the first 20 minutes.

The Tigers would maintain their excellence for the first five minutes of the second half and lead by as many as 33 at one point. The Wildcats didn't quit however and cut the deficit to 16 at one point but the Tigers never folded and looked even better than a top 20 ranked team.

Georgetown shot 45 percent from the floor. Bethel shot 33 percent and hit just six of their 25 attempts from behind the three-point line.

GC had a 42-36 rebound advantage and had 18 assists on their 30 made field goals.

Bethel played the game without leading scorer Jon Brown.

Kamron Rose led the Cats with 15 points and nine rebounds. Jarred Walker and Tyreek Montgomery each had 13 points for Bethel.  Walker also had five assists and five steals.

Derrin Boyd led the Tigers with a game high 18 points. Three other Tigers finished in double figures.

Coach Jeff Britt spoke about the game. "Our kids never quit, and we are proud of that. Georgetown is a Final Four team in my mind. Chris (Briggs) does a great job there and has another outstanding squad.  Playing without Jon really hurts us. Drew (Thomas) played hurt and now it appears we may have lost him as well. We will keep battling and hopefully turn things around as we face a tough road trip."   

The Cats hit the road for three straight games. Bethel begins the road action traveling to Lebanon Thursday to meet the Cumberland University Phoenix. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. The Phoenix upended the Cats November 20 78-68 in Crisp Arena.  

Watch for a preview of the game with links and more later at www.bethelathletics.com