CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Head coach Brent Vernon led the underdog Tigers to his first victory over his alma mater and No. 21-ranked University of the Cumberlands on Saturday evening in the Powell Athletic Center, 71-53.
 
Andrew Smith made his presence known scoring 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds to lead the Tigers (19-7, 4-6 Mid-South Conference). His 24 points was just three off from a season high – which he set on the road this season against Freed-Hardeman University on Dec. 7.
 
The stingy Campbellsville defense allowed a season-best 53 points to the Patriots (18-7, 5-5 MSC). The Tigers' fewest points allowed coming into the weekend was 58 which came on two different occasions against Bethel University and Shawnee State University. Cumberlands' 17 made field goals, also set a new season low for Campbellsville opponents.
 
In a match-up that saw six lead changes in the first half, the Tigers asserted their dominance in the second half to secure an 18-point victory.
 
Jalen Coates and Jacob King also ended the night with double digits with 12 and 11 points, respectively. King's 11 was only two off from a career high, which came at home against Central Pennsylvania College in late November.
 
The Tigers and Patriots battled it out in the first half, each fighting for the lead. The final lead change of the game came with 2:29 left to play when Cumberlands' Taylor Gover delivered a three-pointer to tie the game, 29-29.
 
Campbellsville's defense locked down to hold the Patriots scoreless for the remaining 2:29 of the first half. The Tigers scored the final seven points of the half to take a 36-29 advantage over Cumberlands.
 
The Patriots made just nine field goals in the first 20 minutes, but six of their made baskets were three-pointers, which kept them within striking distance. Campbellsville went 15-for-32 in the first half.
 
Starting the second half on fire, the Tigers scored the first eight points of the period to stretch their lead to 45-29, before Cumberlands made their first basket with 16:24 left in regulation.
 
The Patriots were never able to bring it back within less than 12 points for the remainder of the contest as Campbellsville shot 50 percent from the floor (14-28) compared to Cumberlands 35 percent (8-23) in the second half, en route to the 71-53 victory.
 
Kaashif England was the sole Patriot reaching double figures, with 11 points and he chipped in five boards.
 
Campbellsville also controlled the paint in the game as it outscored Cumberlands, 46-14, including a 24-2 edge in the first half.
 
The Tigers travel to Portsmouth, Ohio next Thursday to take on Shawnee State to begin their final road trip of the regular season. 

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