Murray, Ky. (November 11, 2008) - The Wildcats fell behind early in their exhibition match up with the Racers of Murray State University, but made a first half charge before the Racers rook control in an 82-45 loss. Bethel knew they had a huge challenge in front of them as the Racers are the pre-season favorites to win the Ohio Valley Conference. It didn't help that Bethel finished the game 0-7 on three pointers and just 17-58 overall.
It didn't start off well for the Wildcats as MSU scored the game's first 10-points. Once the ‘Cats got their legs under them, they cut the lead to two points, 18-16 on Antonie Lesesene's layup at 8:32. Bethel would cut it to a one point lead for the Racers, 22-21 on Dontaye Hinton's free throw. But, Murray would go on a 15-0 run over the next 5:46 to take a 37-21 lead. Bethel's Brian French would hit a layup with 00:13 remaining for a 37-23 halftime score.
Murray would go on a 6-0 run and a 9-0 run in the first 4:43 of the second half to take a 25 point, 52-27 lead. Murray would then go on an 11-0 run to open up a 32-point margin, 62-30 at 11:59. Murray would go ahead by as many as 40, but Bethel trimmed the lead back to 37 at the buzzer.
Dane MacDonald led the Wildcats with 10 points and two steals. Lesesene had eight points and a team leading 11 rebounds. Leroy Bell had five points.
Bethel will hit the road to Rio Grande University in Ohio to participate in the Bevo Francis Tournament. On Friday, November 14, 2008, the Wildcats will play Wilberforce University at 3:00pm. Bethel will play on Saturday the fifteenth with the time and opponent to be determined.
