Cats Beat SBC in Chick-fil-A Classic
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats opened their home season Friday night against the Southeastern Baptist Chargers in the 9th Annual Chick-fil-A Classic.
The Wildcats struggled in the first half and trailed 25-23 at halftime. Bethel shot just 28 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes.
The Wildcats found their shooting touch in the second half however, shooting 66 percent and in doing so came from behind to win 72-55.
The Cats had a 50-20 advantage in points in the paint. Bethel had a 45-24 margin in rebounds and wound up with a season high 20 assists.
Yassine Zlitni led the Wildcats wit 16 points and nine rebounds. Tyler Neely led the second half comeback and finished with 15 points. Querrion Gadson had 13 points, three steals, four boards and two assists. Connor Guthrie had a game high five dimes. Jacobi York led the Chargers with 17 points. Both teams committed 16 turnovers in the game.
The Wildcats improved to 3-0 on the season. SBC fell to 1-6 on the year.
Coach Jeff Britt was pleased with the win. "I thought our guys played hard and hung tough. Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the first half. What proved to be the difference for us was our defense. That kept us in the game and then we found our shooting touch in the second half. We are playing shorthanded due to injuries, and this was a good win for our guys."
In the earlier game, Blue Mountain defeated Crowley's Ridge 82-63.
Bethel will take on Crowley's Ridge Saturday at 4 p.m. Blue Mountain and Southeastern will meet at 2 p.m. CRC is 1-2 on the season.
Coach Britt captured his 496th career win with the victory.
Official Game Notes:
Watch:
All games will be streamed at: https://bethelathletics.com/watch
Live stats:
Live stats for all games will be available by visiting the men's basketball page at:
https://bethelathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/boxscores/20221111_doge.xml
Radio:
Radio coverage only for the Bethel/ Crowley's Ridge Saturday game at 4 p.m.
WEIO, 100.9 and at www.thefarmradio.com
Countdown to Tip-off is at 3:30 p.m.