MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel Lady Wildcats are headed back to Sioux City.
Behind a dominant performance from Micah Hart and a strong defensive effort, Bethel defeated Huntington (Ind.) 73–56 Saturday afternoon at Crisp Arena to advance to the Round of 16 of the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa.
Bethel (27-5) controlled the game from the start, jumping out to a 16–6 lead after the first quarter. The Lady Wildcats’ defense forced Huntington into difficult shots early, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Huntington battled back in the second quarter, matching Bethel with 22 points in the period, but the Lady Wildcats maintained a 38–28 halftime advantage.
Bethel continued to build its lead in the second half, outscoring the Foresters 17–13 in the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth to secure the 17-point victory.
Micah Hart led the Lady Wildcats with a dominant 31-point performance, shooting 12-of-21 from the field while adding six rebounds and four steals.
Mikee Buchanan recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while MJ Simmons added 12 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting night. Senior Madison Hart also contributed 10 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the victory.
Bethel forced 25 Huntington turnovers and turned those opportunities into 32 points, a key factor in the win. The Lady Wildcats also finished with 15 steals as they disrupted the Foresters’ offense throughout the game.
Huntington was led by Liv Raby, who scored 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting day.
Bethel Head Coach Chris Nelson praised his team’s defensive intensity and composure in the postseason.
“We talked all week about staying locked in defensively and taking care of the basketball,” Nelson said. “Our pressure created a lot of opportunities for us, and when Micah gets going like that it gives our whole team confidence. I’m really proud of how our group responded today.”
Senior Madison Hart reflected on the moment and the opportunity ahead as the Lady Wildcats prepare for Sioux City.
“This team has worked so hard all season for moments like this,” Hart said. “To advance with this group and keep playing together means everything. We’re excited for the chance to go to Sioux City and keep competing.”
With the win, Bethel advances to the NAIA National Championship Round of 16, which will be played in Sioux City, Iowa, next week as the Lady Wildcats continue their postseason run.
The Lady Cats play Friday versus No. 4 seed Lewis Clark State with tip-off slated for 11 a.m. CT.
The Cats reached the Fab Four last year before falling to eventual national champion Dordt.