Posted: Feb 14, 2026

Cats Fall at Home to Lindsey Wilson

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats dropped a conference matchup Saturday afternoon inside Crisp Arena, falling 88-78 to Lindsey Wilson University.

With the loss, Bethel University dropped to 17-10 overall and 3-8 in the Mid-South Conference.

Fast Start by the Visitors

Lindsey Wilson shot a scorching 57.1 percent from the floor in the first half and knocked down 63.6 percent from three-point range to build a 42-31 advantage at the break. Kenyata Carbon proved difficult to contain, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Julian Cunningham added 20 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.

The Blue Raiders finished the game shooting 52.9 percent overall and 52.6 percent from beyond the arc, while converting 24-of-28 free throws (85.7 percent). The Raiders finished with ten three-pointers in the game.

Bethel Battles Back

The Wildcats showed fight in the second half, outscoring Lindsey Wilson 47-46 over the final 20 minutes, but couldn't overcome the early deficit.

David Starr led Bethel with 21 points and five assists, hitting 10-of-14 from the free-throw line. Chauncey Hughes III added 13 points and three steals, while Alonzo Rhodes Jr. and Ethan Turner chipped in 12 points apiece. Turner was perfect from the stripe, finishing 6-for-6.

Bethel forced 16 turnovers and turned them into 17 points, while also holding a 36-28 edge in points in the paint. However, the Wildcats shot just 39.3 percent from the field and struggled from deep, connecting on 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) from three-point range.

Coach's Take

Head coach Jeff Britt pointed to defensive lapses as the difference.

"We didn't defend the way we're capable of," Britt said. "When you allow a team to shoot over 50 percent and get comfortable early, you're playing uphill the rest of the night. I'm proud of how our guys competed in the second half, but we have to put together a complete 40 minutes."

The Wildcats will look to regroup quickly as they continue conference play, aiming to tighten up defensively and rediscover their rhythm down the stretch.

The Cats close out their regular season Saturday traveling to Cumberland University.