Lady Cats Battle to Buzzer but Drop Heartbreaker to Cumberland University

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Lady Wildcats fought to the bitter end Saturday at home against Cumberland University, but the Phoenix prevailed, winning 67-64.

Bethel trailed by 11 with seven minutes left. Bethel rallied and took the lead only to see CU win by three. A three-point attempt by Bethel's Kayla Gilmore to tie was long as Bethel dropped to 13-13 and 0-10 in the MSC. Cumberland moved to 10-13 and 3-7. Bethel dropped to 166-37 all-time in Crisp Arena. Gilmore had hit wo big three pointers to help erase the deficit. Freshman Kylie Reynolds also nailed a three in the comeback.

There were seven lead changes and five ties in the game.

Cumberland outscored Bethel 25-14 in the second quarter. The Phoenix hit nine three-pointers while the Cats knocked down ten in the game. CU shot 42 percent from the field. The Lady Cats finished at 34 percent. CU's bench outscored the Bethel bench 37-22.

MJ Simmons and Anya Patterson led Bethel with ten points each. Maryah Person led the Phoenix with 15 points off the bench.

Coach Chris Nelson said, "This game is a microcosm of our season. Not paying attention to detail cost us at times and too many errors down the stretch hurt us. I am proud of the comeback but again we should have finished this game with a much-needed win. Our season is not over but we have to find ways to win these last two regular season games and then go to Bowling Green and make something happen."  

The Lady Cats play host to Lindsey Wilson Thursday with action beginning at 5:30 p.m. It will be Senior Night with ceremonies taking place before tip-off.

Watch:

https://www.bethelathletics.com/watch

Stats:

https://bethelathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/schedule

Listen:

https://www.thefarmradio.com/farm-sports-and-events

Tickets:

https://www.bethelathletics.com/tickets