CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The Lady Tigers pulled out yet another Mid-South Conference win today, defeating Bluefield College, 87-70. Senior guard Mrashi Karumba was instrumental for CU on both sides of the court, tying her career-high of 14 points and grabbing five off the boards.
"Mash (Mrashi) did a great job today," said Coach Ginger Colvin. "It's great to have a player that works so hard defensively."
The game may have been one of the most fast-paced of the year for CU as Bluefield forced the ball down the court quickly throughout both halves. Although the ending score separated the teams by double-digits, the Rams played close much of the game, ultimately out-rebounding the Lady Tigers.
"That was a big win for us," said Colvin. "They are a quality team in our conference and incredibly athletic. Bluefield rebounds the ball well, which is something we do not do. I thought we battled and made some big plays, though. Our bench was huge and outscored them incredibly, 36-2. In the long run our bench is what pays off against a team like that."
CU grabbed the initial basket on a shot from freshman post Lindsey Burd but Lady Ram Ashley White quickly responded with her first two of 24 points on the afternoon. Points continued to accumulate for the teams, Bluefield taking the lead just over five minutes into the period (11-10). The lead didn't last long though as two Burd free-throws put the Lady Tigers back on top, where they would remain the rest of the half. Senior guard Courtney Clifton gave Campbellsville 10 points in the half, six of which came from behind the arc. CU went into the locker room leading 42-37
The Lady Tigers survived a scare at the beginning of the second half after an 11-5 run put Bluefield ahead for the second time, 48-47, at the 16:30 mark. Junior Hayley Hellyer responded, raising the energy for CU and giving the team a quick five points, her last being on an and-one. The points would be the first of a 20-3 run for the Lady Tigers, seven more of which came from Karumba. Although Bluefield battled back to a seven-point deficit, they were unable to come any closer.
Bluefield had two players who led the afternoon in scoring, including Lady Ram Ashley White with 24, followed by Tega McNeal with 20.
Clifton was the top CU scorer with 17 points, Mackenzie Lee close behind with 16. Karumba was next in line with 14, followed by Hellyer with 10. Burd finished with eight points and led the team in rebounding, grabbing six.
The win puts the Lady Tigers, ranked 10th in the nation, at 14-3 on the season and 7-1 in the MSC.
Campbellsville (14-3, 7-1 MSC) will play again next Thursday at home against the University of the Cumberlands at 6 p.m. EDT. To follow the team, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.
