COLUMBIA, Ky.-- Cumberland men's basketball concludes a long stint of road matches with a loss to Lindsey Wilson. Although the Phoenix held much of the momentum early in the first half, they were impeded by the Blue Raiders' strong showing in the second.

Lindsey Wilson (11-9, 2-3 MSC) shot 63.2% from the field, going 36-for-57 while Cumberland (5-14, 1-4 MSC) managed only 29-for-57 shooting at 38.7%. Both teams were limited from beyond the arc, connecting on just four apiece.

Demarius Boyd carried much of the offensive load for Cumberland, finishing with 37 points to match CU's single-game record. Triston Conger was the only other Phoenix to reach double figures, contributing 11 baskets.

Four Blue Raiders reached double digits in scoring, led by Bryce Brown with 22. 

Despite Lindsey Wilson securing the first possession and basket of the game, it was the Phoenix who established the first significant lead of the half. A commanding 8-2 run from CU, featuring back-to-back layups from Boyd and Matthew Stokes, positioned the team well in the early stages.

The Phoenix dominated the boards, securing five offensive rebounds by the first media break. This control of the glass translated into second-chance opportunities, driving them to a 13-7 lead.

The Blue Raiders responded with a steady retaliation after the break, heading on a 10-0 run to wrestle back the game's advantage. In response, Boyd sank a shot from the wing while drawing a foul, converting a four-point play to allow the Phoenix to regain the lead.

On the following possession, Jaheim Berry muscled a tightly defended rebound and Boyd capitalized on the opportunity with an easy layup to extend the lead to three points.
With just under six minutes left in the half, Hunter Wattenbarger sank two from the charity stripe to extend the Phoenix's lead to 28-20, the largest lead of the game at that point.

Once again, the Blue Raiders made a solid recovery, holding the Phoenix to a scoreless three and a half minutes for a three point lead at halftime.

The Phoenix wasted no time matching Lindsey Wilson's score with a jumper from Cockrill and a layup from Triston Conger in the opening plays of the second half.

At the 16:28 mark, Lindsey Wilson forced a pair of turnovers, initiating a 7-0 run that sent the Phoenix into a timeout. The rest did little to impede the Blue Raiders' momentum as Isaac Weaver quickly connected from behind the arc to create a ten-point difference. 

With Boyd heading to the bench, the Phoenix struggled to get anything to land offensively and suffered through another scoreless three minutes. 

With nine minutes left to play, Cumberland's first triple of the half heightened their intensity and with a five point run they worked to cut down the deficit. 

Defensively, the Phoenix struggled to combat Lindsey Wilson's height advantage down the stretch and ultimately fell 91-78.

The Phoenix will be back at home for their next match against Bethel University, scheduled for a 7:30 PM CT tipoff. Cumberland Athletics will honor the illustrious legacy of former coach Cliff Ellis at halftime.