CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The Lady Tigers (No. 9) were unable to win a hard-fought battle this afternoon against No. 7 Cumberland University, barely losing 65-62. The game was the NAIA Women's Basketball Game of the Week, and for good reason as it was a fight to the finish for both Top-10 teams. CU found themselves trailing the majority of the game, but only at an arm's length. Despite senior guard Mackenzie Lee's 17-point effort, Cumberland University's persistence put them on top. 

"This was a tough loss," said coach Ginger Colvin. "Cumberland University is a great team and probably the toughest we have played all season. I legitimately think they are a top three team. We played right there with them the whole game, and I don't even think we played to our fullest potential. If there is anything we can take away from today, it is that we can play with them, and we will be ready to go when we meet them next time."

Lady Bulldog Jessica Pace took charge at the start of the first half, scoring the initial five points and giving Cumberland an early wave of confidence. Two Lee free-throws put CU on the board, but Cumberland continued its offensive pressure, racking up another eight and leaving Campbellsville trailing 13-2 at the 16-minute mark. Junior post Hayley Hellyer finally got the Lady Tigers rolling with a jumper that began a 10-0 run for CU, putting them only a point behind the Bulldogs (13-12). For the next eight minutes, Campbellsville stayed close until a quick three points from Kristen Jacob gave the team its first lead of the game, 23-22. It didn't take long for Pace to respond with her ninth point of the half, though, putting Cumberland back on top again. CU went into the locker room trailing 37-31.

The Lady Tigers began the second half on a high note as freshman Lindsey Burd blocked a Cumberland shot and gave the ball to Katie Allen who assisted Lee for a three-point basket. The Bulldogs then went on a 9-0 run in the next four minutes, but a few key substitutions served the Lady Tigers well as they answered the run with a 9-0 one of their own, leaving the score 47-43. With just under six minutes left on the clock, senior guards Courtney Clifton and Mrashi Karumba hit two consecutive shots from behind the arc, putting CU on top 59-58. Unfortunately the lead would once again be short-lived and the last of the game for the Lady Tigers as the intensity of the Bulldogs never slowed.

The last couple minutes of the game gave CU fans who attended Thursday's match-up versus the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) a feeling of deja vu as the Lady Tigers found themselves in a similar situation, battling closely from behind. With less than a minute remaining, CU trailed by one until a deep three-pointer from Briannica Tye pushed the Bulldogs at 65-61 lead. Lee gave the team its last point of the game on a foul shot, but Campbellsville couldn't get a shot to fall in its last possession.

Behind Lee's 17 points, Clifton finished with 11. Sophomore forwards Mary Jehlik and Daizah Kimberland both ended with eight points, Jehlik also grabbing 12 rebounds.

The loss puts Campbellsville at 15-4 on the season, 8-2 in the MSC. CU will face Trevecca University at home next Tuesday, January 22 at 7 p.m. EDT. To follow the Lady Tigers, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.