BATESVILLE, Ark. (02.20.10) - The Bethel Lady Wildcats survived a very physical match-up with the Pipers of Lyon College and won the free throw battle in their 81-76 victory. With the win, the Lady ‘Cats moved into sole possession of fourth place in the Conference standings and a full two games over Lyon and Martin Methodist College with two regular season games remaining. Depending on how other games play out in the last week, Bethel could finish as high as second place before the start of the conference tournament.
A physical affair between the two league rivals resulted in a combined 56 personal fouls and 73 free throws attempted. Bethel held the edge in the free-throw shooting contest, making 31 of 39 attempts for 79.5 percent. Lyon made 24 of 34 for 70.6 percent at the line.
Although Lyon shot better than Bethel 55% to 48%, the Lady Wildcats held a five-point halftime lead, 41-36. Kashundria Berry led Bethel with 16 first half points.
The teams knotted up the score 15 times in the contest and Bethel had its largest lead, 77-69 with 1:09 remaining. Berry scored nine points in the second including a couple of free throws late.
Berry scored 25 points, her second highest single game total this year. She added six rebounds and four assists. Nina Djokovic scored 19 with six rebounds. Anna Trull and Kelsey Hamilton each had nine points.
Bethel is 18-9 (9-5) on the season. They will get a few days of rest before hosting the Lady RedHawks of Martin Methodist College on Thursday, February 25, 2010 with game time set for 6:00pm. Bethel will then finish the regular season by hosting Freed-Hardeman on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00pm. Saturday's contest will also be senior day. Both games can be heard line on 100.9 FM The Farm and on-line at www.bethelathletics.com.
