KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Campbellsville University men's basketball team traveled to Kingsport, Tennessee, on Saturday to compete in "The Show," a premier NAIA showcase. Behind a dominant double-double from
Jay Milburn and a scorching second-half shooting performance, the Tigers remained undefeated (10-0) with a 79-71 victory over the Warner University Royals.
- Four Tigers scored in double figures: Jay Milburn (21 points), Marcellus Vail (16), Dalton Kramer (14), and Taveon Smith (12).
- Milburn recorded a double-double, leading the Tigers with 21 points and 12 rebounds (five offensive), while also tallying a game-high four steals.
- Campbellsville's depth was a deciding factor, as the Tigers' bench outscored the Royals' reserves 35-16.
- After a steady first half, the Tigers' offense exploded in the second, shooting 59.3% (16-of-27) from the floor to secure the win.
- The Tigers controlled the interior, surpassing Warner in points in the paint (36-20) and points off turnovers (24-13).
- The Tigers will be back in action tomorrow, Sunday, November 30th, battling the University of Mobile Rams beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET for the second day of The Show.
The Royals opened the game with a three-pointer from Jamal Norris, which was quickly answered by
Eli Brooks with a bucket from beyond the arc.
Dalton Kramer and
Marcellus Vail added jumpers to keep the offense moving, but Warner stayed within striking distance in the early minutes, tying the game at 20-20 on a Milburn tip-in with 8:35 left in the half.
The Tigers' bench provided a massive spark to close the half.
Ra Briggs and
Taveon Smith came into the game and connected on back-to-back three-pointers, igniting a run. Vail and Smith continued to contribute from long range, and a pair of Milburn free throws sent Campbellsville into the locker room with a 37-27 advantage.
The second half began with an exchange of layups, but Milburn's action in the paint preserved Campbellsville's double-digit advantage. The senior forward scored 12 of his 21 points in the second half, fueled by assists from
TyShay Epps and Brooks.
Kramer elevated his offensive attack from the perimeter, draining a three-pointer at the 6:38 mark to push Campbellsville's lead to its largest of the night at 17 points, 64-47. However, Warner strengthened their defense, forcing turnovers to convert steals and relying on Bryson Castillo, who finished with a game-high 22 points, to narrow the gap.
The Royals clawed closer, cutting the deficit to 10 points with under three minutes to play on a Norris three-pointer. Despite Warner finally connecting from deep late, the Tigers held firm. Vail and
Taveon Smith converted clutch free throws in the final minute to ice the game, finishing with a 79-71 victory.
