By: J.R. Tidwell

            The Bevill State Community College Bears lost to the Gadsden State Cardinals 90-74 Tuesday night. The Bears started conference play with a two game win streak, but have dropped their last three matches to end up 2-3.

            Gadsden State won the opening tip and never looked back, leading throughout the entire contest. The Cardinals gained early momentum on three Bevill State turnovers, and led the game 12-6 after the first five minutes. The Bears mounted a strong comeback, led by three-point shots by Mike Campbell and Allen Rigsby.

At the 10 minute mark, Bevill State had cut the Cardinals’ lead to two points. Missed shots, turnovers, and a lack of rebounding by the Bears allowed Gadsden State to add to their lead late in the first period. Seconds before halftime, Pat Carr drained a three-point shot, followed by a steal which allowed Darren Sadler to add two more points to  the Bears total. This narrowed their deficit to 40-32 at the midway point and giving Bevill State some much needed momentum.

The Bears came out flat after halftime, allowing 19 points in the first five minutes of the second period. Turnovers and missed shots continued to plague the Bears in the second period, while the Cardinals’ steadily increased their lead. Despite rallies by Sadler and Kevin Wright, Bevill State was unable to overcome the halftime deficit, and Gadsden State came out of Clem Gym with a comfortable win.

Sadler led the Bears on the offensive side of the ball with 20 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Pat Carr, Ervin Herron, and Wright all scored in double digits, with Carr scoring 13 points, Herron picking up 11, and Wright adding 10. Rigsby and Campbell added seven points each, with Justin Clements picking up four points and McClain Burrough contributing two points as well.

Herron led the way for Bevill State on defense, picking up five rebounds and three steals. Sadler and Wright had two steals apiece, with Carr, Rigsby, Burrough, and Campbell each adding a steal.

When questioned as to how the Bears would overcome their three-game conference losing streak, Bevill State head coach Al Blanton said,” We have to stay positive as best we can. We have to keep a good attitude. That’s the key.”

The Bevill State Bears (6-13, 2-3 conference) take on their rival Bevill State-Fayette this Thursday at home in Jasper.