CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - There wasn't a fan in the house left seated in tonight's nail-biting victory over the University of the Cumberlands, 65-63. Senior guard Mackenzie Lee had the game-winner, scoring with only four seconds left on the clock. Along with Lee, who gathered 14 points, the team was led by sophomore post Daizah Kimberland.
"Daizah came back tonight after sitting a week with an injury and gave her all. It is kids like Daizah Kimberland that make me love doing what I do," said coach Ginger Colvin.
Kimberland was the top-scorer of the night, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Despite CU's poor second half free-throw performance (48 percenrt), Kimberland's last points were pivotal, coming on two foul shots with only 26 seconds remaining and putting CU ahead by one point. Cumberlands tied the game in the last 10 seconds on a made free-throw, but a quick inbound from Mary Jehlik to Katie Allen caught the Patriots' defense offguard, Allen making a long pass to Lee for a reverse-layup to seal the win.
"That is a great win against a great team," said coach Ginger Colvin. "Their record doesn't show just how good they are. They have been really banged up and finally had everyone back tonight. Cumberlands always does a good job and are still receiving votes which shows they have the respect of the country. We didn't shoot the ball well tonight, but a lot of that is due to the fact that they play amazing defense. I couldn't be happier with that win."
Cumberlands found the first basket of the game after winning the tip and began a somewhat gritty first half with both teams battling to be on top. The lead changed five times, the largest lead being six points by the Patriots with just under six minutes remaining in the period. CU went into the locker room trailing 31-33.
Cumberlands post Brooke Forsythe, top-scorer for the Lady Patriots (16), extended the team's short lead to start the second half, putting up an immediate four points with back-to-back baskets. CU was productive offensively, but their missed free-throws and lack of defensive stops kept the Lady Tigers from regaining the lead for the majority of the second half.
With just over three minutes left, Lee raised the energy, stealing the ball and going the length of the court for an impressive and-one. Cumberlands quickly bounced back on top again, however, but the Lady Tigers refused to lay down...that is, everyone except Chelsea Craig, who took a key charge to spark CU once again and lead the way to an exciting finish.
The victory puts Campbellsville at 15-3 on the season, 8-1 in MSC play. The Lady Tigers will take on Cumberland University (Tenn.) at home this Saturday in the NAIA Game of the Week. The Bulldogs are ranked seventh in the nation and share the first place title with CU in the conference. Tip-off time is set at 2 p.m. EDT. To follow the team, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.
