WILLIAMSBURG, Ky.- The Tigers took the road to battle the #17 University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday. Despite Campbellsville's momentum from the free-throw line in the closing minutes of the contest, Cumberlands took the victory, 86-78.

In the opening minutes of the game, both teams battled for momentum, struggling to score and collecting several missed shots. Cobe Penny and Dalton Kramer contributed with some key offensive plays for the Tigers. However, the Patriots pushed back and extended their lead from the free-throw line. Both sides saw multiple rebounds and aggressive defense, keeping the score tight. As the first half unfolded, Campbellsville struggled with turnovers and fouls, resulting in Cumberlands racking up a few points in the paint. The Tigers did not falter at the pressure, and Ra Briggs came off the bench with an avid jumper to come closer to the Patriots' lead. Cumberlands maintained their advantage, increasing Campbellsville's deficit and pushing them to turnover the ball. The Patriots consistent defense and scoring proved too strong for the Tigers, even though Kramer attempted to claw their way up to the lead. At the end of the first half, Campbellsville trailed Cumberlands, 38-33.

With the score tight, the Tigers and the Patriots came into the second half battling to grasp the lead. Cumberlands began the period with fierce defensive rebounds. Kramer collected a few points from the charity stripe, decreasing Campbellsville's deficit and coming closer to tying the score. Halfway through the second half, the Tigers stole the lead with two three-point buckets by Marcellus Vail. Campbellsville's steadfast plays preserved their advantage until the Patriots tied the score in the paint with less than five minutes left on the clock. Cumberlands reclaimed their lead, keeping their short-range shots consistent and pushing the Tigers farther back down as the time expired. Despite Campbellsville's high-energy strikes in the closing minutes of the game, the Patriots closed the game with a victory, 86-78.

The Tigers will be back in action, hosting the Freed-Hardeman University Lions on Thursday, February 6th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Despite falling to Cumberlands, Campbellsville dominated a few statistical categories of the game: free-throw percentage (93.3%-63.8%), bench points (26-23), and points in the paint (40-34). 
• Three Tigers reached double digits during today's game: Penny with 25 points, Kramer with 16, and Vail with ten. 
• Today's defeat extends Campbellsville's losing streak to four consecutive losses against Cumberlands; the Tigers have not won a game against the Patriots since 2023.