CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.- The Tigers hosted the #1 Freed-Hardeman University Lions on Thursday night. Despite Campbellsville's efforts to bounce back in the second half, Freed-Hardeman took the victory, 70-50.
The Lions were first on the scoreboard with a bucket from beyond the arc; however, Cobe Penny followed with a three-pointer of his own, tying the score. Freed-Hardeman got ahead with successful free-throw opportunities, but the Tigers did not hesitate to retaliate in the paint. Both teams applied pressure to prevent each other from scoring, but the Lions quickly increased their offensive strikes and widened the gap to leave Campbellsville trailing. Freed-Hardeman scored 20 points before the Tigers were able to reach double digits. Dalton Kramer and Kam Vick elevated their three-point shooting, decreasing the Lions' advantage. Campbellsville's foul-heavy action brought Freed-Hardeman to the free-throw line on multiple occasions, increasing the Tigers' deficit. At the half, Campbellsville trailed 41-28.
Within a couple of minutes from the start of the second half, the Lions collected a few more baskets to claw their way up the lead. Tyshawn Epps' assists brought Penny and Jay Milburn to score in the paint in an attempt to catch up. Marcellus Vail came off the bench with back-to-back buckets, elevating the Tigers' offensive efforts. Halfway through the second half, Freed-Hardeman extended their upper hand to 20 points over Campbellsville. The Lions' turnovers aided the Tigers in racking up baskets. As the end of the contest approached, both teams struggled to convert from the three-point line. Although Campbellsville tightened the score in the paint, Freed-Hardeman stood their ground and reopened the gap with only 30 seconds remaining. At the end of the game, the Lions took the victory 70-50.
The Tigers will be back in action, traveling to Lebanon, Tennessee, to battle the Cumberland University Phoenix on Saturday, February 8th, beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
- Two Tigers reached double digits throughout tonight's game: Vick with 15 points and Penny with 12. Epps led with four assists, and Banks and Milburn with six rebounds each.
- After tonight's defeat, the Tigers are on a nine-game losing streak against the Lions. Campbellsville has not won a game against Freed-Hardeman since 2021, and the Tigers have only won seven games against the Lions.
