MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats played host to Williams Baptist Tuesday night in Crisp Arena. The Cats moved to 7-1 with an 85-72 victory over the Eagles. WBU dropped to 3-5.
There was a pre-game ceremony honoring Wildcat senior Yassine Zlitni who played his last game for the Wildcats. Yassine will graduate in December and return home to Switzerland.
The Wildcats led at 37-31 at halftime. Bethel shot 37 percent from the floor while WBU shot 41 percent from the field. Daveonne Warfield led the Wildcats with nine points. Cooper Rabjohn led the Eagle with 13 tallies.
Behind the outside shooting of Connor Guthrie who nailed three early treys in the second half, the Wildcats opened up a 55-40 lead six minutes into the half. Bethel maintained a double-digit margin, hitting 7-of-14 three-point attempts in the final 20 minutes. The Cats hit 12 treys on the night with Guthrie hitting five in the game.
Guthrie led Bethel with 17 points. DJ Starr followed with 12 points and seven assists. Brennon Marsh had 10 points and a team high seven rebounds.
The Wildcat had a 37-27 advantage in rebounds. The Cats had a 39-9 margin in bench points.
Bethel shot 40 percent from the floor for the game and had a season high 24 assists.
Coach Jeff Britt commented, “I am so happy we sent Yassine out with a nice win. He has been so good for our program. We will miss him, and I know he will be successful in life. WBU is well coached, and we feel good about this win before our break.” Britt added, “We are grateful for the support of our fans and wish them all a Blessed Thanksgiving.”
The Wildcats return to action December 9th traveling to Welch College. Watch for a preview of the game later at: www.bethelathletic.com