BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Campbellsville University Lady Tigers roared to an 81-55 victory over the Cumberland University Phoenix in the Mid-South Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green. Their 33 point first-quarter performance was tied for their most points in a quarter this season (tied with their game on December 13th against Oakland City).
Campbellsville came out of the gates red-hot, embarking on a 22-2 run fueled by a stifling defense and efficient offense. Talynne Shearer opened the scoring with a layup assisted by Lauren Lee. Lee then found Paige Serafini for a three-pointer, forcing an early Cumberland timeout. Whitney Hay added four points from the free-throw line, and Serafini knocked down another three, extending the lead to 13-2. The Lady Tigers dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Phoenix 33-10. Serafini caught fire from deep, connecting on 3-of-5 three-point attempts in the opening period.
The Phoenix settled in during the second quarter, keeping the Lady Tigers to just 16 points compared to the first quarter. However, Campbellsville still held a commanding 49-22 lead heading into halftime. Cumberland successfully attacked the basket, scoring eight of their 12 second-quarter points in the paint. Campbellsville's bench provided a spark, contributing nine points in the quarter, including a three-pointer from Dea Bradley and four points from Hay.
Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter, with Campbellsville maintaining a comfortable lead. The Lady Tigers' defense forced three turnovers and held the Phoenix to 31.3% shooting in the period. Lee led the offensive charge for Campbellsville in the third, scoring seven of her 13 points, including an and-one play to put the Lady Tigers up 53-24.
Campbellsville put the game away in the fourth quarter. The Lady Tigers' largest lead of the game reached 34 points with 9:36 remaining after a Serafini three-pointer. Hay and Serafini combined for 12 points in the final period to seal the victory.
The Lady Tigers advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Freed-Hardeman vs. Lindsey Wilson matchup. That game will take place Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Campbellsville shot 41.9% from the field, compared to Cumberland's 33.9%. Campbellsville's largest lead was 34 points.
- The Lady Tigers dominated the boards, outrebounding the Phoenix 44-37. Campbellsville's defense forced 18 turnovers, leading to 21 points off turnovers.
- Three Lady Tigers scored in double figures: Serafini (21), Hay (15), and Lee (13). Serafini set her career high in points on the day.
