Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Fall Short in Shooting Struggles Against Tribe
In a recent hard-fought battle, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats faced a tough defeat against the William & Mary Tribe at the Edmunds Center in DeLand, Florida. The Wildcats started strong, but shooting struggles led to a 64-52 loss.
This game really exposed both strengths and weaknesses for the Wildcats as they look ahead. Let’s break down the details and see where things clicked—and where they just didn’t.
First Quarter: A Strong Start for the Wildcats
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The game kicked off with a close first quarter. Bethune-Cookman jumped out to an early 11-4 lead, hinting at their potential to take over.
The Wildcats shot 42.9% from the field. They also held the Tribe to just 33.3% shooting.
This early lead gave Bethune-Cookman some momentum. Still, the Tribe didn’t waste time and started closing the gap.
Key Performances in the First Quarter
Tyler Butler made a real impact for the Wildcats, showing skill and grit. The defense stepped up too, limiting the Tribe’s chances and keeping a slim lead into the second quarter.
Second Quarter: Offensive Struggles for Both Teams
Both teams just couldn’t get much going offensively in the second quarter. Neither side found any real rhythm, and both shot under 20% from the field.
Even so, Bethune-Cookman clung to a 22-21 lead at halftime. Free throws helped—they hit five of six before the break.
Highlights of the Second Quarter
Tyler Butler kept leading the Wildcats, reaching 11 points by halftime. Those free throws really mattered, since field goals weren’t falling.
Third Quarter: The Tribe Takes Control
The third quarter flipped the script. The Tribe took over, keeping the Wildcats’ shooting percentage low and winning the rebounding battle 10-6.
William & Mary shot 42.9% from the field. That helped them build a 12-point lead that Bethune-Cookman just couldn’t erase.
Factors Contributing to the Tribe’s Dominance
The Tribe improved their shooting and controlled the boards. They converted their chances and shut down the Wildcats’ second-chance points.
That gap just kept growing, and Bethune-Cookman couldn’t catch up.
Fourth Quarter: A Valiant Effort Falls Short
The Wildcats really tried to rally in the final quarter, putting up 22 points. But the Tribe kept hitting shots and free throws, holding on to the lead and closing out the win.
Even in defeat, a few Wildcats stood out with solid performances.
Standout Performances in the Fourth Quarter
Tyler Butler wrapped up the night as the Wildcats’ top scorer with 15 points and seven rebounds. Sanai Tyler chipped in nine points and grabbed ten boards.
For William & Mary, Monet Dance led her team with 14 points. She really showed her scoring ability.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Challenges
The Wildcats now get a break for the holidays and a chance to regroup. Their next test is an away game at Jacksonville on December 30th at 6:30 PM.
If you want the latest updates, follow Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball on Twitter and Instagram.
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- Shooting Accuracy: The Wildcats’ shooting woes, especially in the middle quarters, played a big part in the loss. They’ll need to boost those field goal percentages if they want more wins.
- Free-Throw Efficiency: Bethune-Cookman did well at the line, making 71.0% of their free throws. That’s something to build on for close games.
- Rebounding Battle: Winning on the boards really matters. The Wildcats have to step up their rebounding to cut down on opponents’ second-chance shots.
Final Thoughts
The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats lost to William & Mary, and honestly, it stings a bit. Still, that game gave the team plenty to think about and a few bright spots to focus on.
Some players really stepped up, and the Wildcats did well at the free-throw line. Now, with Jacksonville up next, they’ve got a shot to sharpen their skills and patch up the weak spots.
If you want more stats or a deeper dive into the matchup, check out the official Bethune-Cookman Athletics website.
More updates and analysis are coming as the Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball season rolls on. You can follow the team on Twitter and Instagram for news and highlights—because who wants to miss out?