WILLIAMSBURG, Ky.- The #3 Lady Tigers took the road to battle the #10 University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday. Campbellsville broke their undefeated record for the season, falling to Cumberlands, 75-48.
From the early stages of the first quarter, the Lady Tigers controlled the pace of the game, capitalizing off turnovers and scoring efficiently in the paint to build a lead over the Patriots. Whitney Hay and Tyra Flowers combined for multiple layups and converted free throws to keep Campbellsville ahead. Although Cumberlands came into the game with avid offensive rebounding, the Patriots struggled with turnovers, providing the Lady Tigers with multiple chances to steal the ball. Both teams applied strong defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and mistakes on the court; however, Campbellsville swiftly regained control and collected basket after basket. Lauren Lee's key assists brought the Lady Tigers to remain strong in their scoring opportunities. As the first quarter unfolded, Cumberlands decreased their deficit on the scoreboard from the charity stripe. Still, Campbellsville quickly increased their advantage in the closing minutes of the period, going into the second quarter leading, 19-11.
The Patriots came into the second quarter struggling from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, and the Lady Tigers continued to capitalize on their inefficiencies. Hay remained a strong force for Campbellsville in the paint with consistent scoring and crucial rebounds on both ends of the court. The defensive intensity of the contest increased, with more steals and blocked shots in the development of the quarter. As the closing minutes approached, both teams collected multiple fouls, disturbing the flow of the relentless battle for the upper hand. Lee's layups further extended the Lady Tigers' lead, highlighting Campbellsville's dominance as they continued to finish possessions effectively. Heading into halftime, Cumberlands struggled offensively, trailing the Lady Tigers', 29-23.
As the second half came around, the Patriots brought intense offensive strikes in attempts to take the upper hand. Both teams struggled for control, with defensive-heavy plays on the court. Campbellsville turnovers increased, allowing Cumberlands to steal the ball. The Patriots capitalized from several three-point buckets, creating momentum to catch up with the Lady Tigers. Campbellsville faced a few opportunities at the free-throw line but failed to convert consistently, missing key points to preserve their standing on the scoreboard. Despite the Lady Tigers' efforts to remain ahead, Cumberlands took the charge with several layups and jumpers, stealing the advantage. Going into the fourth quarter, Campbellsville trailed the Patriots, 47-38.
Flowers scored a layup in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, while Cumberlands continued to sink bucket after bucket to widen the gap on the scoreboard. The Lady Tigers struggled to connect, unable to score any further, while the Patriots only strengthened their offensive efforts. Halfway through the final quarter, Cumberlands increased their advantage to 27 points over Campbellsville. The Lady Tigers could not recover as the clock expired, falling to the Patriots, 75-48.
The Lady Tigers will be back in action, hosting the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions on Thursday, February 6th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET.
- Two Lady Tigers reached double digits during today's game: Hay with 12 points and Lee with 11. Hay also led with six field goals, Flowers with five rebounds, and DEA Bradley with three steals.
- Today's defeat is Campbellsville's biggest loss since the 2021-2022 season, during the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16 against Dordt University (78-43).
- The last time the Lady Tigers lost to the Patriots was during the 2024 NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals. Before then, Campbellsville had not lost a game against Cumberlands since 2017, holding a streak of 15 consecutive wins.
