CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Campbellsville University men's basketball team matched up against Pikeville University Saturday afternoon at Powell Athletic Center. The Tigers left the gymnasium feeling victorious after their intense defense notched a 66-51 win over the Bears.
From the starting minutes of the contest, both teams exerted integrity for the lead. The Bears were uninterrupted as they strung together five points to place Campbellsville at a deficit. Chandler Clements knocked down a three to shorten the Tigers' discrepancy. Javaughn Smith settled the score at 10 with a quick layup under the basket. Fellow teammate, Jay Milburn, solidified the Tigers' first lead of the contest with a vital layup. The Bears worked back to even the score, but once again, Campbellsville captured the lead. Clements's jumper and free throw placed the Tigers head by four. Pikeville acquired another lead as they slowed down the Tigers' offensive press. Nearing the end of the half, Smith tallied a three, and Jace Wallace followed suit with a layup. These buckets set a 35-31 lead entering the half.
Campbellsville forced the Bears into ten turnovers, whereas the Tigers had only suffered six. Campbellsville capitalized off the Bears' turnovers as they swapped them for 14 points. Pikeville only amassed two points from the Tigers' six turnovers. Clements led his team with 11 points. Wallace followed closely with seven points, six rebounds, and three assists.
The Tigers widened their advantage as Smith tallied another three-point basket. Malik Muhammad earned Campbellsville's double-digit lead with his layup. Campbellsville climbed to 52.5% in field goals, while Pikeville fell to 39.5%. The Tigers were making their shots from the arc with 40% from the line, while the Bears fell short with 14.3%. Clements drew in a foul and stepped to the stripe to collect his two shots. Clements' baskets bested his career-high as a Tiger and opened the Campbellsville's lead to 17 points. Pikeville was persistent in penetrating their discrepancy. The Bears found relief as they tallied eight consecutive points, only to be stopped by a layup from Muhammad. Campbellsville continued to apply pressure on Pikeville's offensive. The Tigers poised back-to-back blocks to add to their nine total. Time dwindled, and Pikeville did not recover from their shortfall. Campbellsville secured the 66-51 win over the Bears.
The Tigers locked in 47.5% in field goals which reigned 14.2% higher than the Bears'. Pikeville took 25 shots from the arc and only tallied three, whereas the Tigers made five of their 14 shots from the area. Clements maintained his spot as the leading scorer with 18 points. Muhammad composed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Smith joined his teammates as he solidified ten points and four rebounds. Wallace was close to a double-double as he amassed nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Tigers will be back in action this Thursday as they face off against #10 Georgetown College. The Mid-South contest begins at 7:30 p.m. ET in Powell Athletic Center.
