McKENZIE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern men's basketball team traveled to familiar rival Bethel on Saturday. After trailing by as many as 12 in the opening half, UTS fell 77-74 in the non-conference matchup.
Three Firehawks scored in double figures with Mark Vance leading all scorers with 22 points. Mike Bell, Jr. added 16 points, and Eric Robinson tossed in 11.
In the first half, the Firehawks shot 38 percent on 14 of 37 from the field. Vance powered the Firehawks offense scoring 11 first half points. The Firehawks limited the Wildcats in second chances by controlling the glass. UTS out rebounded BU 17-10 in the first stanza, only allowing them to one offensive board. The Firehawks trailed by their largest deficit of 12 at the under six media time out. Sprinting to the half, UT Southern shaved the lead down at the half to trail 45-38.
In the second half, UTS outscored Bethel 10-2 to open the half, taking their first lead with 16 minutes to play. BU would bounce back to lead 57-50, but UTS crafted another bug run to retake the lead 59-57 with 10 minutes to play. UTS and BU would trade the lead during the nest eight minutes with UTS leading 72-70 with 120 seconds left. UTS missed two great opportunities in the final minute to suffer the loss.
BY THE NUMBERS
3 – UTS led three times in the game, all in the second half.
 33 – The Firehawks outrebounded the Wildcats 33-26.
12 – The Firehawk defense forced 12 Bethel mistakes.
14 – UTS added 14 points off of the Wildcat turnovers.
40 – The Firehawks led in points around the bucket, scoring 40 in the paint.
19 – UTS outscored BU in second chance points 19-7.
NEXT UP
The Firehawks will travel to Lebanon, Tenn., to battle the Phoenix on Tuesday, December 17^th. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m., after the women's game.
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