CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Tigers hosted the Spartanburg College Pioneers on Friday night for their first contest of the annual Lou Cunningham Classic. Despite Campbellsville's efforts to rally in the second half, Spartanburg's shooting proved too strong, taking the victory, 82-77.
Dalton Kramer and Marcellus Vail opened the first half with key three-pointers for the Tigers. The Pioneers quickly retaliated, shooting beyond the arc and capitalizing off defensive rebounds. The game quickly turned foul-heavy and both teams faced the charity stripe on multiple occasions. Campbellsville strongly capitalized off Spartanburg's turnovers, Kramer swiftly collecting steal after steal. Both teams' resilience kept the score close, tying continuously throughout the half. Javaughn Smith and Ra Briggs strengthened the Tigers' defense, although the Pioneers held onto the lead. With a three-pointer by Spartanburg, Campbellsville trailed at the end of the first 20 minutes of play, 41-39.
James Jewell and Kramer began the second half taking the lead with powerful three-point baskets. However, Spartanburg responded with aggressive offensive attacks, counteracting their efforts to gain dominance on the court. Halfway through the second half, the Pioneers continued to increase their intensity and the Tigers struggled to catch up. Despite Campbellsville's efforts to mount a comeback, Spartanburg maintained their control over the court in the final seconds of the game. At the end of the contest, the Tigers fell to Spartanburg, 83-77.
The Tigers will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, November 22nd, hosting the Brescia University Bearcats, beginning at 3 p.m. ET to conclude the Lou Cunningham Classic.
- Campbellsville bested Spartanburg in offensive rebounds (12-5), assists (22-15), bench points (45-37), fast-break points (10-6), and points off turnovers (26-12).
- Vail led the Tigers with his career-high 32 points, six three-pointers, and 11 field goals, followed by Kramer with 16, five steals, and seven assists, and 11 rebounds.
- Tonight's game was Campbellsville's first encounter against Spartanburg.
