LEBANON, Tenn. – The Tigers hit the road to battle the Cumberland University Phoenix Saturday afternoon. Despite Campbellsville's big second-half turnaround, Cumberland ultimately withstood the comeback attempt, 83-72. 

From the early stages of the game, the Phoenix asserted control of the court, quickly increasing their advantage ver the Tigers with quality looks. Campbellsville's deficit increased to 11 points halfway through the first half, Cumberland's defensive pressure forcing the Tigers to take less-than-stellar shots remaining one of their biggest strengths. KJ Banks attempted to claw the Tigers' way toward the lead by slashing into the paint. However, Cumberland's three-point shooting dampened Campbellsville's momentum anytime it began to muster. The Phoenix's defensive efforts continually limited the Tigers' scoring opportunities, although Marcellus Vail and Jay Milburn kept the game from getting out of reach. At the half, Campbellsville trailed Cumberland, 44-25. 

Coming into the second half, both teams applied strong defensive pressure, collecting defensive rebounds and struggling to convert baskets. Vail and TyShay Epps boosted their team play, assisting Banks, Milburn, and Dalton Kramer in scoring multiple baskets to build the Tigers' momentum. Campbellsville's turnovers hindered their progress to chip away at their deficit. Still, the Tigers fired away turning their first-half shooting slump completely around. In the latter half, they shot nearly 40% points better than the first (63% to 25%). As time wound down, both teams exchanged jumpers and three-pointers and, despite the Tigers' efforts to threaten the lead, the Phoenix took the victory, 83-72.       

The Tigers will be back in action hosting the #7 Bethel University Wildcats on Thursday, February 13th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

• Three Tigers reached double-digit scoring tonight's game: Cobe Penny with 18 points, Epps with 11, and Banks with ten. Penny also led with nine rebounds and Epps with three assists. 
• Despite falling to Cumberland, Campbellsville bested Cumberland in: free-throw percentage (83.3%-56.5%), bench points (24-22), offensive rebounds (14-11), and defensive rebounds (29-26). 
• After tonight's defeat, the Tigers hold two consecutive losses against the Phoenix; this is the first time since 2022 that Campbellsville have lost back-to-back games against Cumberland.