CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Tigers hosted the (RV) University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Thursday night for the first home game of 2025 and of Mid-South Conference play. First-half shooting woes as well as both the rebound and points-in-the-paint differential led to the Patriots pulling ahead and winning, 85-73. 

The Tigers began the game with two three-point buckets by Dalton Kramer and Jay Milburn, moving ahead by six early. Cumberlands then elevated their plays beyond the arc and stole the lead. The Patriots' defense prevented the Tigers from scoring, resulting in foul-heavy play from Campbellsville in attempts to strike back. Cumberlands' free throws and rebound opportunities continued to push their advantage, putting the Tigers at a ten-point deficit on the scoreboard. The Tigers trailed 34-26 at the half. 

The second half was a slow start for Campbellsville, as the Patriots proved persistent near the basket. Then, when the Tigers would commit more to the paint, the Patriots would kick out for threes, which they sank more often than not. Cumberlands' defense brought the Tigers to a scoring halt too until halfway through the second half. Cobe Penny's shots from deep and Marcellus Vail's efforts in the paint racked up a few points to bring Campbellsville closer to the advantage. The Patriots strongly benefited from the Tigers' fouls to collect points from the charity stripe (echoing the first half), and thus amplifying their upper hand. Despite Campbellsville's efforts, Cumberlands took the win, 85-73. 

The Tigers will be back in action, traveling to Columbia, Kentucky to battle the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders on Saturday, January 11th beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

• Three Tigers reached double digits throughout tonight's game: Kramer with 22 points, and Penny and Milburn with 14 each. Additionally, Brown led with five rebounds and six assists. 
• Cumberlands had 44 points-in-the-paint to Campbellsville's 22 while they pulled down 11 more rebounds at the rim too (38 to 27).
• Campbellsville has not won a game against Cumberlands since 2023. The Tigers now hold a three-game losing streak against the Patriots.