Balanced Attack, Hot Shooting Push Bethel to 79–42 Win Over Fisk
MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel University Lady Wildcats continued their undefeated start to the season Tuesday night, rolling past Fisk University 79–42 inside Crisp Arena behind a dominating defensive effort and a barrage of three-pointers.
Bethel (8–0) controlled the game from the opening tip, exploding to a 19–2 lead in the first quarter while holding the Bulldogs to just 11% shooting in the period. The Wildcats' defensive intensity set the tone early, forcing Fisk into rushed shots and capitalizing on turnovers to create momentum.
The Wildcats knocked down 16 three-pointers, shooting a blistering 47% from deep, with nearly every player contributing to the scoring column.
Wildcats Shine Across the Board
Sophomore guard Mikee Buchanan led the way with 17 points, burying five threes while pulling down seven rebounds and picking up two steals. Her shot-making in the second and third quarters helped push Bethel's lead to more than 20.
Sophomore sharpshooter Kylee Alexander provided a major spark off the bench, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 from long range to finish with 16 points. Her shooting barrage in the second half sealed the game early.
Micah Hart added 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Lauren Bryant chipped in 9 points on three made triples. MJ Simmons filled the stat sheet with nine points, three assists, and steady defensive pressure.
In all, Bethel posted 19 assists on 29 made field goals, showing strong ball movement and balance throughout the lineup. Eleven different Wildcats scored.
Defensive Control All Night
While the offense lit up the scoreboard, the defense was equally impressive:
- Held Fisk to 36.7% shooting,
- Forced 19 turnovers
- Outscored the Bulldogs 18–4 off turnovers
- Held Fisk to just 2 points in the first quarter
Bethel's bench also outscored Fisk 38–0, showcasing the team's depth and ability to rotate freely without losing rhythm.
Fisk's Effort
Fisk (3–2) was led by Ari Branch with 15 points and Harmonie Bolton with 12. The Bulldogs shot just 3-for-15 from three and struggled to match Bethel's speed and spacing.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Bethel remains perfect on the season and continues to build momentum as non-conference play rolls on. The Lady Wildcats will look to extend their streak as they prepare for their next matchup in Crisp Arena. In the Bethel Invitational they play Haskell and Texas A & M San Antonio.
Coach Chris Nelson praised both the energy and unselfishness his team brought to the floor.
"I loved the way we started the game defensively," Nelson said. "We were locked in, communicating, and setting the tone early. Offensively, the ball movement was exactly what we wanted, nobody forced anything, and we found the open player. When we play that way, we're a tough team to guard."