Pulaski, Tenn. -The Bethel Lady Wildcats trailed by eleven points (67-56) with just over four minutes left Thursday night against Martin Methodist in Pulaski. The Lady Cats mounted a torrid comeback but ran out of time losing 77-74. After MMU missed a free throw Bethel had one last second desperation effort from Kelsey Hamilton with a 40 foot attempt but the shot came up short dropping Bethel to 11-10 overall and 3-4 in the TranSouth Conference.

The Lady RedHawks shot 42 percent from the field while Bethel shot 35 percent from the floor. The e decisive factor in the contest was at the free throw line. MMU hit 23-of-34 free throws while Bethel shot just 13 on the night, connecting on 11.

Martin Methodist improved to 13-7 and 3-4 in the conference. Vee Young led the Lady RedHawks with 21 points. Jana Roney led Bethel with 26 points and a career high 18 rebounds. Roney has scored 20 or more points in 12 games this season. It was her eighth double double of the year. Katie Van Dyke connected on four three point attempts and finished with 12 points. Van Dyke has hit ten three-pointers in Bethel's last two games. Jasmine Taylor had 11 points on the night.

Coach Chris Nelson commented on the loss. "I am proud of the fact we did not quit. We just need to be tougher with some little things which in the end have cost us in some of our losses. We had an eight point first half lead and had several chances to increase that margin but simply failed to do so. Their big people were tough on the boards and our failure to block out really hurt us at times." Nelson added, "We will regroup and get ready for an opportunity to play the No. 1 ranked team in the country Saturday."

Bethel travels to Freed-Hardeman Saturday to face the Lady Lions. FHU fell to Lyon 48-43 Thursday in Batesville. Tip-off is at 2 p.m.