Wildcat Late Scoring Drought Proves Costly in Loss to FHU
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats battled back from a 12-point deficit in the second half to grab a 70-69 lead over the visiting Freed-Hardeman Lions but a four and a half minute scoring drought late in the game proved to be the undoing of the Wildcats. FHU seized the opportunity, scoring eight unanswered. Bethel had several late chances, but the Lions prevailed winning 79-72.
Bethel dropped to 11-14 overall and 3-14 in the MSC. FHU improved to 16-9 and 11-7.
The teams met in Henderson in early January with Bethel winning 79-77.
Bethel shot 39 percent from the floor. FHU shot 44 percent. Both teams had successful efforts from deep. FHU knocked down 11 three pointers while the Wildcats hit 10 treys.
Bethel had a 38-34 margin in rebounds, but Freed had a 22-10 advantage in points in the paint.
Jarred Walker and Jamarius Mayberry led Bethel with 14 points each. Hayden Thomas had 11 points.
Bethel's Walker finished the game with 419 career assists which is 11th all-time in program history. He is 3rd all-time in steals with 215. Walker is one steal away from catching former Bethel great Scott Hamm for second who had 216. Walker's 14 points gives him 994 career points. Thirty players have scored 1,000 points or more in a Wildcat uniform.
Trends & Numbers:
Bethel is 8-0 when they outshoot their opponents.
The Cats are 8-4 when they hit more three-pointers.
The Wildcats are 11-9 when they outrebound their opponents.
Bethel is 7-5 when they have less turnovers.
The Cats are 10-4 when they lead at the half.
Coach Jeff Britt commented, "Our kids keep battling and improving. Give Freed a lot of credit as they made plays down the stretch. The late scoring drought cost us. I thought we forced several shots and that was tough to overcome. We will keep working hard and see if we can turn things around."
Bethel travels to Shawnee Sate Thursday and Thomas More Saturday. Watch for previews and coverage links later at www.bethelathletic.com.
