COLUMBIA, Ky. –
Dalton Kramer scored 23 points, Campbellsville University forced 21 turnovers, and the Tigers led from start to finish in an 89-81 victory over Mission University on Saturday at Biggers Sports Center.
- Kramer led Campbellsville with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, shooting 7-of-13 from the field, 3-of-8 from 3-point range, and 6-of-7 at the free-throw line.
- Eli Brooks added 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a block, while Aeramiah Binford recorded a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six offensive boards.
- Campbellsville converted Mission's 21 turnovers into a 26-15 advantage in points off turnovers. The Tigers committed 10 turnovers and collected 12 steals, including three apiece from Kramer, Hunter Duncan, and Taveon Smith.
- After going 1-of-14 from beyond the arc in the first half, Campbellsville shot 5-of-9 from distance after halftime. Kramer and Smith combined to make all four of their second-half 3-point attempts.
- The Tigers shot 55.2% in the second half and scored 46 points after the break. Campbellsville finished at 48.5% from the field despite making 6-of-23 from 3-point range.
- Campbellsville held advantages in points in the paint, 44-40, second-chance points, 18-15, and assists, 17-14. The teams finished even with 35 rebounds apiece.
- The Tigers never trailed and built their largest lead at 13 points. Mission shot 50.8% overall, but Campbellsville's turnover differential and 17-of-23 performance at the foul line helped offset the Patriots' efficiency.
Campbellsville established itself defensively at the outset, forcing three Mission turnovers in the opening 4:13. Brooks scored the game's first five points for the Tigers, and baskets by
Tyran Cook and Smith helped Campbellsville build a 9-4 advantage.
Mission pulled within two before Campbellsville assembled an 11-0 run. Binford scored twice inside, Cook converted after a Smith steal, and Kramer supplied three points as the Tigers stretched their lead to 20-11 with 11:40 remaining in the half.
The Patriots responded with eight consecutive points, trimming the margin to 22-19. Campbellsville steadied itself behind Cook and Kramer, with Kramer scoring seven points during a stretch that restored the Tigers' advantage to 33-24.
Binford's putback and Cook's dunk extended the lead to 42-30 with two minutes remaining. Mission scored seven of the final eight points, including Jamon Valentine's 3-pointer in the closing second, to send Campbellsville into halftime ahead 43-37.
Cook opened Campbellsville's second-half scoring with a 3-pointer before Mission pulled within five. Brooks answered with consecutive baskets, and Kramer later connected from beyond the arc to give the Tigers a 57-47 lead with 13:07 to play.
The Patriots used four 3-pointers over a span of less than three minutes to reduce Campbellsville's advantage to 64-62. Binford responded with a putback and two free throws before Smith's 3-pointer extended the margin to 71-64 with 7:53 remaining.
Campbellsville then turned defense into separation. Smith and Kramer recorded steals on consecutive Mission possessions, with Brooks scoring inside before Kramer completed a three-point play. Binford and Brooks followed with dunks to cap a 16-3 stretch that gave the Tigers an 80-67 advantage with 5:25 left.
Mission closed within eight, but Smith connected on another 3-pointer, Brooks scored twice at the rim, and Kramer made two free throws in the final minute to secure the 89-81 victory.
