BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. (March 1, 2008) – The Wildcats finished off their regular season of play with an 86-66 win over the hosting Blue Mountain College Toppers. The Wildcats had a balanced offense with five players hitting double digits in points and three players recorded double-doubles. Based on seedings, Bethel will be on the road for the first round of the TranSouth Conference Tournament in Henderson, Tenn. against the Freed-Hardeman Lions on Tuesday, March 4, 2007 at 7:00pm.

The Wildcats opened a six point lead at 14:13 on a field goal by Octavious Thompson. The Toppers came back, only to see Bethel go on a 7-0 run when Brennen Ward connected with 3:37. The Wildcats poured in a few more baskets pushing the lead to 12 before settling for a nine point advantage at the break. Bethel carried a huge advantage in rebounds in the first half grabbing 24 boards to Blue Mountains 8. The ‘Cats also shot well hitting 17 of 30 (57%).

Blue Mountain took many shots but didn’t connect in the second frame. The Toppers took 41 but only connected for 12 buckets. Bethel went to work on the inside with the help of Antione Lesesne who scored 15. The Wildcats held the advantage with points scored in the paint and points off the bench.

Antione Lessesene had 20 points, and ten rebounds, one assist and one block. Thompson had 12 points to go with 12 rebounds and one block. Derek Demaree scored 12 points and had 11 rebounds with four assists, one block and one steal. Clint Blackburn had 12 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Hrvoje Devcic added 11 points.

The Wildcats are 13-17 (4-16) on the season. Bethel will be in Henderson, Tenn. to play Freed-Hardeman University in the first round of the TranSouth Conference Tournament on March 4, 2008 at 7:00pm. The winner of that game will be on the road Thursday, March 6 in Pulaski, Tenn. to play Martin Methodist College at 7:00pm.