CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Tigers faced-off against Mid-South Conference foe University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks Monday evening. Campbellsville left Powell Athletic Center with a loss 84-70.
The first half began in a consistent trade of points between the Tigers and the Firehawks.
Jarius Key was first to put points up for Campbellsville with a layup. Tennessee Southern accumulated a ten-point lead in the matter of a few minutes. As the score stood at 19-9, Key went for a basket at the low post to end the Firehawk's streak. Key was hot in the paint as his back-to-back layups pushed the Tigers to trail by one.
Sam Weining's drive to the paint propelled the Tigers to lead 20-19. Tennessee Southern had the Tigers at a standstill until Key had major three-point basket to cut into the lead. After a few turnovers, Tennessee Southern accomplished a ten-point cushion going into the half: 39-29.
At the half, Key led his team with 11 points, Malachi DeSousa with five points, and Weining with four points. Key also led his team with five rebounds as
Ross Ryan,
Jace Wallace, and
Keaston Brown followed with three apiece. Campbellsville held a 39.4 percent in field goals compared to the Firehawks 51.6 percent. The Tigers had collected seven turnovers compared to the three of Tennessee Southern.
Out of the half, the Tigers went on a five-point run. However, the Firehawks responded with their own run to gain the largest lead of the game, ultimately as much as 18 points. Campbellsville struggled to find clean looks in passing lanes and with their shot selection. The Tigers could never find their groove enough to earn the upper hand over the Firehawks with the deficit oscillating between between 10 and 18 all half. Tennessee Southern took the win 84-70.
At the end of the game, Key had acquired 15 points, DeSousa with 12, and Wallace followed with 11. Key and DeSousa shared six rebounds apiece while Wallace and Brown aided four each to the total. Wallace totaled six assists out of the 19 Campbellsville passed.
The Tigers are on the road Thursday to compete against Bethel University (Tenn). The competition is set to begin at 9 p.m. ET.
