McKenzie, Tenn. – Opening up the 2026-27 campaign on Wednesday evening, the St. Thomas University Men's Basketball team scored the opening point of the game at Bethel and never trailed in a 99-71 victory.
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: St. Thomas 99, Bethel 71
Record: St. Thomas (1-0), Bethel (0-1)
All-Time Series: STU leads 1-0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After trading triples to start the contest, the Bobcats scored 12 of the ensuing 14 points to quickly create a double-digit lead at 15-5 with 15:46 remaining in the first half.
- Bethel rallied to get within four midway through the half at 22-18, only for a 6-0 Bobcats run recreating their double-digit advantage at 28-18 with 8:37 left in the half.
- The Bobcats withstood a 4-0 run by the host and kept them from another run of consecutive points for the rest of the half.
- St. Thomas continued to hold Bethel without back-to-back points until a pair of Wildcats baskets made it 70-45
- The Bobcats kept the lead above 20 for the rest of the contest.
NOTEWORTHY:
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Bobcats went 35-66 from the field, 14-29 from beyond the arc and 15-25 from the free throw line. Bethel shot 26-64 from the floor, 4-22 from distance and 15-22 from the line.
- St. Thomas recorded 20 assists while the host tallied 11.
- St. Thomas forced 22 turnovers, resulting in 26 points, Bethel scored 18 points off 14 STU turnovers.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats take on defending NAIA Champions Freed-Hardeman on Friday, Oct. 30 with tip-off slated for 1:00 pm.
