CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Coming off a huge win over the No.1 Georgetown Tigers, CU will look to continue hot play against the University of the Cumberlands before heading into the Mid-South Conference tournament next weekend.
While this game renders meaningless in the final MSC standings, another top 25 win for Campbellsville can help the Tiger chances to receiving an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament. The Vernon's enter familiar territory when venturing to Williamsburg, as their father was a famed coach for CU, coaching 22 years. They look to return to the area to record a huge win and up the Tiger chances for an NAIA Tournament run.
HOW TO FOLLOW
SERIES FACTS
- As Campbellsville and the University of the Cumberlands meet to close their 2020 seasons, they will be doing so for the 140th time in their programs' history.
- In the series, the Patriots have handedly led CU, with an 89-50 record over the Tigers.
- While visiting Williamsburg, CU has also fallen to a record of 16-47, but look to reverse the narrative, as the Tigers are vying for a spot in the NAIA tournament.
- Campbellsville last met the Patriots on January 16th as the University of the Cumberlands traveled to the Powell Athletic Center to outscore CU by 15 in the second half, to take an 84-63 win.
SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS
- Cumberlands enters this match up with a 23-6 record, ranking 14th in the NAIA's most recent release of the Coaches' Top 25 poll.
- Overall, the Patriots have been led by efficient shooting and big numbers in the rebounding margin.
- As a whole, UC has should the ball at a 40.9% clip from behind the arc, ranking fourth in the NAIA. These numbers are led by a 50% 3-pt fg.% from Ethan Snapp, ranks second in the country.
- On the glass, the Patriots have outrebounded opponents by 7.5 rebounds per game, bulling down 39.7 rebounds per contest.
- Caleb Taylor has played a huge role in those numbers as his 11.07 rebounds per game, 310 total rebounds, and 4.07 offensive rebounds per game all rank among the NAIA's top three players.
- Taylor also ranks 11th in the country in blocks with 42 on the season.
- Tevin Olison looks to run the Patriot offense, leading the team with 17.5 ppg. and 2.5 assists per game.
MAJOR UPSET FOR HUGE MOMENTUM
- In the Tiger's last contest, they knocked off the NAIA's top team for the first time in school history, dropping Georgetown, 94-92.
- Campbellsville used massive games from Taiveyhon Mason and Richie Mitchell who each recorded career highs totaling 63 points combined.
- CU was able to shoot 52.24% from the field and 60.87% from behind the arc in route overtake the No. 1 Georgetown.
- Looking to enter the MSC tournament with the hot hand, the Tigers will look to continue this play with another major win on Saturday.
DEFENSE SPARKS THE TIGERS
- CU has shown they are one of the NAIA's top defensive programs ranking in the top 20 in turnover margin (3.21), opponent ppg (68.72), and opponent fg% (0.415).
- The ability to limit opponent opportunities and create their own has become the marker for CU, as they currently boast a 14-1 record when shooting better than their opponent.
- Campbellsville also ranks 26th in the NAIA with 203 steals on the season, led by Mason's 55.
TIGER CLAWZ
- The Tigers have hit a 3-pointer in 546-straight games dating back to the beginning of the 2003-04 season on Dakstats.
- Taiveyhon Mason ranks 13th in the NAIA in steals with 56 and No. 23 with 1.93 steals per game.
- Mason is 0.9 rebounds away to lead CU in these per game categories - points, assists, steals, and rebounds.
- Through conference play, Richie Mitchell leads the team in points per game (14).
MID-SOUTH RANKINGS
- CU currently boasts an MSC record of 7-8 for fifth in the standings. Campbellsville will finish in the No. 5 spot and will face up with No. 4 Shawnee State in the MSC quarterfinals regardless of the outcome of Saturday's games.
- Cumberlands will earn the second spot in the conference tournament and will meet either Lindsey Wilson or the University of Pikeville in their opening round game.
UPCOMING STRETCH
- This game marks the end of the regular season for CU, as they will now look toward the Mid-South Conference tournament on March 5th-9th in Bowling Green, Ky. to work toward an MSC title.
- The Tigers will meet Shawnee State on March 7th at 3 p.m. ET to open the MSC tournament.
