WISE, Va. - Campbellsville University men's basketball seems to be unstoppable lately, defeating yet another Mid-South Conference opponent, the University of Virginia's College at Wise, 60-47. The Tigers are now on a five-game winning streak as they are near the end of conference play. Head coach Keith Adkins thinks his team's defense was key in Thursday night's win.

"I made the point to our guys at halftime that you don't have to be in man-to-man to get after people," said Adkins. "Sometimes the players think that in a zone they can take it easy, but you have to be even more intelligent and more alert because you may be guarding someone else's man all the sudden. We just have to keep people off the glass, and when we do that, we are going to be in good shape."

Two-and-a-half minutes into the game CU's Sean Scott found the net, giving his team the initial lead. Cav Jermaine Wright immediately answered with two points of his own. He would go on to lead Wise in scoring, finishing with 17 points and six rebounds.

Junior forward Vernon Payne had a dunk on the next possession, putting the Tigers on top once again where they would stay the remainder of play.

A jumper from point guard Charles George helped to pull the Cavs within three points at the 8:11 mark. Following the shot, a Tiger 8-0 run gave way, allowing CU to its first double-digit lead, 25-14, with 5:56 to play in the half.

Solid shooting and good defense kept the Tigers in good position for the rest of the half. They would finish with the lead at the break, 33-24.  Payne ended the period as the top scorer with 12 points.

Payne stayed hot, opening the second half with his first two of six points, ultimately finishing with 18.  Justin Ennis was also instrumental in the Tigers' win, totaling 15 points, nine in the second period.

CU seemed to be on cruise-control as it comfortably held a double-digit lead for the majority of the half.

Wise struggled from the field, shooting 28 percent, and only 18 percent from three-point range. CU, on the other hand, had an impressive night, shooting 36 percent from long-distance and 46 percent from the field.

Payne was one rebound away from a double-double, with 18 points and nine off the boards. Behind Ennis' 15-point performance, Scott finished with eight of his own.

The Tigers will look to maintain their winning streak this Saturday as they face No. 17 University of Pikeville. Tipoff time is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST. To follow the team, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.


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