Lady Wildcats Close Out Regular Season at Cumberland University
LEBANON, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats will take their No. 3 ranking and at 23-4 record to Lebanon Saturday to take on the Cumberland University Phoenix. The Cats are 8-3 in the Mid-South Conference. Bethel has played 11 road games this year and has won nine of those.
Cumberland is 15-12 overall and 1-10 in league play. The Phoenix have played 13 home games and have won nine of those.
Tip-off in the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena is at 1 p.m.
The teams met on February 5th in McKenzie. Bethel exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter, turning a hard-fought contest into a decisive 58-43 win. The Lady Wildcats attacked downhill, knocked down timely perimeter shots, and were sharp at the free-throw line. Defensively, Bethel slammed the door, holding Cumberland to 12 fourth-quarter points to seal the outcome.
Mikee Buchanan delivered a strong all-around performance with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while MJ Simmons and Madison Hart each chipped in 13 points. Hart's composure at the line and Simmons' aggressive play fueled the late surge, as Bethel forced 22 turnovers and turned defense into momentum.
It will be the 24th meeting between the two programs with Bethel holding a 14-9 advantage in the series. It will be the 10th meeting in Lebanon with the Cats holding a 5-4 margin.
Bethel averages 74.2 and yields 59.9 points per game.
The Lady Cats are led in scoring by Micah Hart who averages 19.4 points per game. She leads the MSC in scoring. Buchanan follows at 15.5 points per outing. Madison Hart pops in 13.9 points per contest.
Coach Chris Nelson is in his 20th season as head coach at the school and is 426-213.
Cumberland is led in scoring by Ty Buckley who averages 15.1 points per game. Emaleigh Tarpley follows at 11.5 points. Braley Bushman averages 11.2 points per game.
Mark Vaughn is in his second season as head coach of the Phoenix. He has a career mark of 23-31 at the school.
Stats:
https://gocumberlandathletics.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
Watch:
https://urbanedgenetwork.net/watch/8260
Tickets:
https://gocumberlandathletics.com/sports/2023/7/18/_133341896480479868.aspx