LEBANON, Tenn. (02.18.10) - The 22^nd ranked Lady Wildcats knew they had a tough challenge facing the Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs in an important conference matchup. Their previous meeting in McKenzie showed Cumberland's athleticism as Bethel won the contest by five points 70-65. This game was no different and the result was the same as Bethel got a five point 68-63 win.

Bethel clung to a one-point advantage at halftime, 28-27 as both teams struggled with turnovers and poor free throw shooting. The teams combined for 22 turnovers and went just 20-for-47 shooting from the field. As a team, Bethel hit 9 of 22 from the field, 2 of 7 from three-point range and was uncharacteristically 8 of 15 (53.3%) from the charity stripe.

Cumberland went almost seven minutes in second half without a field goal, making just two free throws during the stretch. But, CU's Allysia Bailey's basket with 1:34 remaining tied the game at 58, one of five ties in the contest. Then Kashundria Berry converted an old-fashioned 3-point play just 10 seconds later and Bethel never looked back, making 7-of-8 free throws in the final minute to clinch the victory.

Bethel scored 20 points off 18 CU turnovers and got 19 points and 11 rebounds from Nina Djokovic. Berry added 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Teena Carter scored 10 with four rebounds, one assist and four steals. The Wildcats made just 22-of-34 at the foul line for the game, but made them late when it counted most.

Bethel improves to 17-9 (8-5) on the season. They will be on the road in Batesville, Ark. to play the Pipers of Lyon College on Saturday, February 20, 2010 with a 2:00pm tip-off. In their previous meeting, the Pipers stunned the Lady Wildcats in overtime in McKenzie, 75-70. With teams positioning themselves for the conference tournament seeding, it will be another very important game for the Lady Wildcats. The game will not be on radio, but fans can keep up with live stats by going to www.bethelathletics.com.