Men's Basketball 12/27/2019 11:57:00 AM CU Athletics

Tigers close out 2019 with a pair of games at the Cumberlands Classic

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY- This weekend, the Tigers will look to close the 2019 portion of their season with a set of games at the University of the Cumberlands Classic. In the classic, Campbellsville will be meeting Miami University of Hamilton on Sunday, Dec. 29^th and Carver College on Monday, Dec. 30^th, with both games beginning at 2 pm. ET.

How to follow:

Jordan Alves will broadcast the game on 88.7 The Tiger and www.CampbellsvilleTigers.com/watch. Pregame for each game will begin a 1:45 p.m. ET.
Fans can follow live video provided by the University of the Cumberlands - https://portal.stretchinternet.com/cumberlands/

Cumberlands Classic

After an 8-5 record to start the 2019 season, the Tigers took a 17 day layoff to celebrate the Christmas season. However, CU seeks to jump back into play with the Cumberlands Classic on Dec. 29th and 30th.
This two game classic with matchups against Miami University-Hamilton and Carver College is the fifth tournament for Campbellsville this season.
The Tigers hold a 4-4 record in classics this season.
CU has participated in this post-Christmas tournament each of the last two seasons, where they have boasted a 3-1 overall record.
Last season, Campbellsville entered the classic with a 13-0 record, seeking to enter conference play undefeated. Nonetheless, the Tigers dropped game one of the tournament to Xavier University of Louisiana, 68-66.
The Tigers, however, were then able to bounce back the following day as they met Freed-Hardeman, winning 90-52.
In the meeting with Freed-Hardeman, seniors Andrew Smith and Stephaun Adams were each able to put up 19 point performances to lead the Tigers.

Matchup Facts

Over the weekend, CU will be meeting Miami-Hamilton and Carver College.
Since 2003, the Tigers have met the Harriers of Miami-Hamilton, four times, winning all four matchups. However, after meeting four times in the years of 2003 and 2004 CU has not met Miami-Hamilton in 15 years.
Miami-Hamilton enters the game with the same record as the Tigers, going 8-5 thus far this season after winning Ohio Regional Campus Conference Championships last season.
Campbellsville and Carver College have only played once prior to Monday's meeting.
This matchup took place last season as a part of the Lindsey Wilson Classic where Campbellsville took a 90-53 win.
In this game, Stephaun Adams led the way for CU with a 30 point performance followed by 16 from Hagen Tyler and a 14 point, 14 rebound double-double from Andrew Smith.

Taylor hitting his stride

Senior guard, Ronald Taylor as upped his production of late, to lead the Tigers in scoring with 11 ppg.
After averaging just five ppg through the first five contests, Taylor has scored double digit points in six of the last 8 games, averaging 14.75 ppg in that span.
This run has included a pair of twenty point games, as Taylor recorded a career high with 23 against IU Southeast.
Averaging just 6.5 ppg a year ago, Taylor has been able to nearly double his scoring, while bumping his shooting percentage up 4%.
Off the bench, the guard also leads the team in free throws made, and ranks second in rebounds with 60 the year.

Tiger Clawz

CU is playing its fifth classic of the season and its second away from the Powell Athletic Center.
The Tigers have hit a 3-pointer in 531-straight games dating back to the beginning of the 2003-04 season on Dakstats.
The first half has been the Tigers' friend this season, outscoring opponents 491-393. The second half has been their nemesis only outscoring opponents, 543-486.
When leading at halftime, the Tigers are 6-3.
Taiveyhon Mason ranks 18th in the NAIA in steals with 26 and No. 24 with 2.0 steals per game.
Mason is 0.9 rebounds per game categories - points, assists, steals, rebounds and blocks.

Closing the 2019 year

As the calendar year comes to a close, Campbellsville has thus far put together a 16-13 year, with an 11-6 record in the Powell Athletic Center.

Looking forward to conference

These matchups will be the last before the Tigers begin the bulk of Mid-South Conference play on January 4th.
To open the New Year, CU will host Cumberland University a 4 p.m. ET.
The Tigers will follow their home MSC opener, traveling south to Marietta, Ga. to play Life University on Monday, Jan. 6th at 8 p.m. ET.
In one of the most competitive conferences in the NAIA, the Mid-South Conference currently hosts the first, fourth, and 19th ranked teams, as well as three teams in the receiving votes category.
Last season, the 7-7 record was enough for the Tigers to claim third place in the regular season standings.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#32 Andrew Smith: F; 6' 10"; Senior; Johnson City, Tenn.

#24 Hagen Tyler: G; 6' 3"; Senior; Danville, Ky.

#14 Stephaun Adams: G; 6' 1"; Senior; Virgin Islands

#4 Ronald Taylor: G; 6' 3"; Senior; Bradenton, Fla.

#14 Taiveyhon Mason: G; 5' 10"; Junior; Hopkinsville, Ky.

Players Mentioned

#32 Andrew Smith
: 6' 10"; Senior; Johnson City, Tenn.
: F

#24 Hagen Tyler
: 6' 3"; Senior; Danville, Ky.
: G

#14 Stephaun Adams
: 6' 1"; Senior; Virgin Islands
: G

#4 Ronald Taylor
: 6' 3"; Senior; Bradenton, Fla.
: G

#14 Taiveyhon Mason
: 5' 10"; Junior; Hopkinsville, Ky.
: G