MCKENZIE, Tenn. –- The Bethel College men’s and women’s basketball teams begin conference play Saturday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m.  against Union University.  The TranSouth Conference is arguably the toughest conference in the country.  Currently, there are five TranSouth Conference women’s teams in the top 25 and there are four on the men’s side.

The first game of the afternoon pits the Lady Wildcats with#1 ranked Union University Lady Bulldogs.  The Lady Bulldogs enter the contest 10-0 and received all 11 first place votes in the latest poll.  The game will feature many local products on both teams that will be familiar to players and fans alike.  Bethel is coming into the game 5-6 but has played a very aggressive schedule, including five teams that are ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes.  Last season in the Dishman Gymnasium, the Lady Wildcats held a 41-35 lead at the half before Union won the game 74-85.

The matinee features the #22 Bulldogs (4-3) and the Wildcats who are 9-1 on the season.  Last season, in a very competitive game at Bethel, the Wildcats trailed by Union by four, 34-30 at the half.  Bethel fought hard before losing by only five, 87-92.

The road doesn’t get much easier as Bethel travels to Martin Methodist College on Thursday, January 10 for a women’s and men’s double header to begin at 6:00 p.m.  Martin Methodist’s men are ranked #18 in the nation.  Then on Saturday, January 12, Bethel hosts Trevecca Nazarene University.  The women’s game begins at 2:00 p.m. against the #11 ranked Lady Trojans and the men’s game tips off at 4:00 p.m. with the #7 ranked Trojans.  The Trevecca games will be taped and broadcast on WLJT, Charter channel 11.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Union University games.  Last season the match-up was a sellout.

• Rebels Defeat Bulldogs 53-48
• Obion County Defeats McKenzie Rebels 71-43
• Bethel Basketball Opens Conference Play Saturday Against Union University
• War Eagles Defeat Panthers 74-66