Bethune-Cookman experienced a narrow defeat in their recent basketball game against Southern, concluding with a score of 77-73. Despite maintaining a lead for a significant portion of the match, the Wildcats were ultimately unable to secure the victory, marking their initial loss within the SWAC conference for the season. This outcome prevented them from establishing a historic 3-0 record in conference play, a milestone that would have been unprecedented for the program.
Coach Reggie Theus reflected on the game, emphasizing the physical nature of conference matchups and the critical need for sustained effort. He noted that the team's performance faltered in the final minutes, attributing the loss to turnovers and a lack of assertive play around the basket during crunch time. Furthermore, Theus acknowledged the unique challenges of integrating a large number of new players each season, which complicates the process of developing strong team chemistry and a cohesive culture. Despite these hurdles, the team's rigorous non-conference schedule, which included games against top-ranked opponents and accomplished mid-majors, has demonstrably prepared them for intense competition, proving their capability to perform well against formidable adversaries.
Although the loss places Bethune-Cookman's overall record at 5-11, they remain strongly positioned within the SWAC, tied for second place. The team's resilience and their ability to challenge highly-ranked teams underscore their potential to contend for the conference title, a goal that Coach Theus prioritizes above all else, emphasizing that ultimate success lies in winning the conference tournament.