Wildcats Roll into Thanksgiving Break Winning Three in a Row

PARAGOULD, Ark. — The Bethel Men's Basketball team heads into the Thanksgiving break on a hot streak, earning its third straight victory with an 83–66 road win over Crowley's Ridge on Tuesday night at the Carter Activities Center. The Wildcats improved to 7–1 on the season, using a balanced attack and a dominant bench performance to take control early and never look back.

Bethel set the tone in the first half, shooting a sharp 51.4% from the field and knocking down five threes before the break. Their energy on the boards and in transition helped them build a 44–33 halftime lead, and despite cooling off in the second half, the Wildcats remained firmly in control the rest of the way.

No one shined brighter than David Starr, who delivered a breakout performance with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including five made threes. Starr was electric off the bench, giving Bethel instant offense and pushing the lead whenever CRC threatened to rally.

Chauncey Hughes III continued his efficient stretch of play, finishing with 13 points, three steals, and a pair of made threes. Hughes is the reigning MSC Player of the Week.

Jackson Hayes added eight points on a perfect 2-for-2 from deep, while Brayden Nunnally and Ethan Turner scored seven and six respectively, to round out the starting group.

The Wildcats' depth proved to be the difference, as the bench exploded for 43 points, led by Starr, Taylor Stovall (nine points, seven rebounds), and Russell Williams (four points, six rebounds). Bethel pounded the offensive glass all night, winning second-chance points 21–4 and outrebounding CRC 49–38 overall.

Down low, Alonzo Rhodes Jr. continued to shine as Bethel's anchor in the paint, pulling down 11 rebounds to go along with three points and two assists. His presence helped the Wildcats control the interior and limit Crowley's Ridge to just 20 paint points.

Crowley's Ridge fought hard behind Caleb Wade, Jamir Todd, and Cole Nichols, but Bethel's tempo, shooting, and physicality proved too much.

The Wildcats now enter the holiday break on a three-game winning streak and with major momentum. At 7–1, Bethel looks every bit like a team rounding into form as conference play approaches.

They'll return to action next week as the schedule ramps up toward December.

Final Score:
Bethel 83, Crowley's Ridge 66

The Wildcats will enjoy Thanksgiving with a win—and with plenty to be thankful for on the hardwood.