Wildcats Battle but Fall Short in Exhibition at Tennessee Tech
COOKEVILLE Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats stepped out of regular season play Tuesday night traveling to Cookeville to test Tennessee Tech in an exhibition game.
The Golden Eagles prevailed with an 81-74 victory over the Cats. It was the 15th all-time meeting between the two programs with TTU holding a 13-2 advantage in the series.
Tech moved to 4-7 on the season.
The Wildcats gave Tech all they wanted and more. The Wildcats got off to a good start and led by as many as 13 halfway through the first half. TTU cut the Bethel lead to 46-40 at the half.
The Golden Eagle outscored Bethel 41-28 in the second half.
The Wildcats shot 48 percent from the field and hit seven three-pointers. Tech hit 12 threes and shot 48 percent from the floor. Bethel had a 38-29 rebound advantage but committed 17 turnovers. Tech had a 20-2 margin in points off turnovers.
Querrion Gadson and Conner Guthrie led Bethel with 19 points each. Kendan Maddox had 16 points and six boards. Brennon Marsh had 14 points. Tyler Neely had 10 assists for the Wildcats. David Early had a game high of 26 points to lead the Golden Eagles.
Coach Jeff Britt was proud of his team's effort. "I thought our guys played amazingly. The effort and execution were simply great. Tech played a super second half and Coach Pelphrey does a great job with his team."
The Wildcats will take an 8-5 mark into Thursday's home action against Brescia. The Cats and Bearcats will tangle at 11 a.m. It will be area school day with several hundred young people in attendance. The Bearcats are 2-2 on the year.
Live stats:
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