Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Cats Close 2025 on a High, Turn the Page Toward 2026 with Win Over Brescia
Posted: Dec 18, 2025

Cats Close 2025 on a High, Turn the Page Toward 2026 with Win Over Brescia

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel Wildcats put an exclamation point on the 2025 portion of their schedule Wednesday morning, knocking off Brescia (Ky.) 78–71 inside Crisp Arena to carry momentum straight into the  New Year, An almost packed house with it being the Annual Kids Day enjoyed the Wildcat win. 

Bethel led almost the entire game, but Brescia hung around throughout the morning contest. There were two ties in the game. The Wildcats took a 38–34 advantage into halftime and matched that energy after the break, outscoring the Bearcats 40–37 in the second half to secure the seven-point win.

Ethan Turner anchored the Cats offensively, finishing with a team-high 13 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting while also pulling down seven rebounds. Chauncey Hughes III followed with 15 points and five assists, directing the offense and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Isiah Darden added 12 points, knocking down three triples, while Taylor Stovall chipped in 10 off the bench.

The Wildcats' balance proved to be the difference. Bethel finished with 41 rebounds to Brescia's 28 and scored 38 points in the paint, consistently attacking the rim. Defensively, the Cats forced 16 turnovers and turned them into 18 points, helping them withstand a strong bench performance from the visitors.

Brescia was led by Jaunte Jenkins' 18 points and Linkin Lockhart's 14, but Bethel answered every push, shooting nearly 47 percent in the second half and closing the door at the free-throw line.

The win sends Bethel into the calendar flip at 11–1 overall, closing 2025 with confidence and positioning the Wildcats for a strong start to 2026 as conference play looms.

"I'm proud of how our guys closed out the year today," said head coach Jeff Britt. "As we head into the Christmas break, I want to wish our players, our Bethel family, and everyone who supports this program a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We're grateful for the support and excited about what's ahead in 2026."