Wildcats Defeat Mighty Oaks in Annual Chick-fil-A Classic

MCKENZIE, Tenn. –After opening their season with a win over Campbellsville University -Harrodsburg Friday in the Chick-fil-A Classic, the Bethel Wildcats made it two in a row with a hard fought 78-62 victory over Oakland City University Saturday afternoon.

Leading 39-35 at the half, Bethel outscored OCU 39-27 in the second half. The Cats were sparked by Kamron Rose who came off the bench with 16 points. Bethel's reserves outscored the Mighty Oaks 28-8.

Two other players scored in double-digits for Bethel. Jon Brown led the attack with 23 points. Drew Thomas finished with 11 points. Thomas also pulled down a team high seven rebounds.

Nathaniel Schmittler led the Oaks with a game high 25 points.

Bethel shot 47 percent hitting 30-of-63 attempts from the floor. Oakland City shot 33 percent hitting 21-of-62 attempts from the floor.

Coach Jeff Britt commented on the win. "We knew coming in, this would be a tough game. Schmittler is such a big factor for them. I liked the way we responded, especially in the last ten minutes. Kam (Rose) was the catalyst in that stretch I thought. Jon (Brown) and Drew (Thomas) played well, and we need them to do that to be really good."

Schmittler, Brown and Bethel's Jamarius Mayberry were named to the all-tournament team. Blue Mountain's Tariq Meredith and CUH's Tyron Duncan were also named to the squad.

The Wildcats open up MSC action with games at home on Thursday and Friday. The Cats host Lindsey Wilson Thursday at 8 p.m. and welcome Cumberland University Saturday. Live radio and video along with live stats will be available. Those links can be found on the athletic site on the men's schedule page. Visit www.bethelathleics.com