MCKENZIE, TENN. (Dec. 15, 2007) – The Bethel Wildcats will enter the Christmas break on a positive note after winning their seventh consecutive game.  Bethel played well in the first half and held on in the second for a 73-70 victory over Missouri Baptist University in the McDonald’s Classic finale.

The Wildcats’ Antoione Lesesene was virtually unstoppable in the first frame scoring 14 points and grabbing eight boards in just six minutes of play.  It also didn’t hurt that Bethel was 6 of 8 from behind the arc.  Brian French hit a three ball with 1:22 left and another three with :33 left in the first to give Bethel a 12 point lead at the break.

Bethel cooled off in the second, hitting only 32% of their shots.  Missouri Baptist kept pace and got hot from outside hitting 6 of 11 from three land that allowed them to take a one point lead with 3:36 left.  LeRoy Bell hit a huge three with 2:06 left to tie the game for the seventh time.  Clint Blackburn hit another three with 1:19 left and Bethel held on to preserve the win.

Lesesene had his best game as a Wildcat with a double double.  He scored 22 points, had 16 rebounds, one assist and one block.  Blackburn had 14 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.  Derek Demaree had 10 points, eight boards and three assists. 

The Wildcats are 9-1 on the season as they enter the Christmas break.  TranSouth Conference play will begin on Saturday, January 5, 2008 as they host #22 Union University at 4:00pm.