Posted: Feb 13, 2026

Wildcats Use Balanced Attack to Knock Off Campbellsville

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats protected their home floor Thursday night with an 84-75 Mid-South Conference victory over the Campbellsville Tigers inside Crisp Arena.

Bethel (17-9, 3-7 MSC) used a strong first half and a dominant bench performance to build momentum early and fend off a second-half push from Campbellsville (18-7, 3-6 MSC). The Wildcats led 41-33 at the break after shooting a blistering 51.5 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from three-point range in the opening 20 minutes.

The Tigers trimmed the deficit in the second half behind 17 points and nine rebounds from Jay Milburn and 14 points from Marcellus Vail, but Bethel answered every run with timely shooting and second-chance opportunities.

Chauncey Hughes III provided a huge spark off the bench, pouring in a game-high 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting while adding five assists and no turnovers. Isiah Darden also gave the Wildcats a huge lift with 11 points, including three three-pointers, as Bethel's bench outscored Campbellsville 38-18.

David Starr added 20 points for the Wildcats, knocking down three of four from beyond the arc and going 5-for-6 at the free throw line. Jackson Hayes contributed nine points and five rebounds, while Alonzo Rhodes Jr. and Ethan Turner each grabbed seven boards to help Bethel win the rebounding battle 33-27.

The Wildcats were particularly efficient from deep, finishing 10-of-19 (52.6 percent) from three-point range and 14-of-16 (87.5 percent) at the free throw line. Bethel also capitalized on extra opportunities, scoring 14 second-chance points and turning 12 Tiger turnovers into 10 points.

Campbellsville shot 46.3 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, but Bethel's depth and efficiency proved to be the difference down the stretch. The Wildcats maintained composure in the final minutes, knocking down key free throws to secure the nine-point win.

Head Coach Jeff Britt credited his team's balance and effort after the game.

"I thought our guys really shared the basketball and trusted each other tonight," Britt said. "Chauncey gave us tremendous energy off the bench, and David was steady all night. When we defend, rebound, and take care of the ball the way we did, we're a tough team to beat at home. This was a big step for us."

With the victory, the Wildcats continue conference play looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The Wildcats host Lindsey Wilson Saturday at 3 p.m. It will be Senior Day with ceremonies taking place just before tip-off.