Lady Cats Stay Perfect with Win in Campbellsville Classic
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The No. 2-ranked Bethel Lady Wildcats kept their unbeaten streak alive Saturday afternoon, earning an impressive 83–69 victory over Indiana University Southeast in the Campbellsville Classic in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The win moves Bethel to 6-0 on the season as they continue their road swing at Milligan Monday.
Balanced Scoring and Relentless Pace
The Lady Cats once again displayed their trademark balance and tempo, shooting 48.6% from the field and assisting on 28 of their 34 made baskets. Bethel's offense flowed through the dynamic duo of Micah Hart and Mikee Buchanan, who combined for 52 points and 18 rebounds.
Hart posted a dominant double-double performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Buchanan poured in 25 points and eight rebounds, hitting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Junior forward MJ Simmons added 10 points and four assists, providing steady play on both ends, while Lauren Bryant sparked the bench with six points on 2-of-3 from long range. Sophomore transfer forward Adalyn Koelling made her presence felt as well, contributing seven points, six rebounds, and two steals in 15 strong minutes.
Strong Start, Steady Control
Bethel established early control, shooting over 44% in the opening quarter to build a 20–17 lead. The Lady Cats continued to push the pace, using a 9–2 run midway through the second period to take a 38–29 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter, Bethel's offense reached full throttle — shooting nearly 58% — as Hart and Buchanan took turns carving through the Grenadiers' defense. The duo combined for 17 points in the frame, helping the Lady Cats outscore IU Southeast 23–17 and extend the lead to double digits.
Closing It Out
Indiana Southeast battled to stay within reach, led by Jesse Ledgerwood's 22 points and Linzie Wernert's 19-point, 11-rebound double-double, but the Lady Cats' depth proved too much. Bethel's bench outscored IU Southeast's 21–6, and their defensive pressure forced 18 turnovers, resulting in 22 points off takeaways.
Team Effort on Both Ends
Bethel's defense also limited IU Southeast to 41.9% shooting overall, matching them from three-point range (both teams at 43.5%), but making the most of extra opportunities on the glass and in transition.
The Lady Cats finished with:
- Points in the Paint: 38
- Fast Break Points: 12
- Second-Chance Points: 10
- Total Rebounds: 36
Next Up
With the win, Bethel improves to 6-0 and continues to look every bit the national contender they've been projected to be. The Lady Cats will next travel to Milligan University as their early-season road stretch continues.
Head Coach Chris Nelson praised his team's focus and chemistry, saying, "Our energy and ball movement were outstanding. We shared the ball, defended with purpose, and kept our composure on the road. That's the kind of effort that travels."
Bethel looks to keep that energy rolling as they march toward Milligan on Monday— still unbeaten, still confident, and still climbing.