LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Men's Basketball had some big runs, but could not overcome a 21-point deficit in the first half falling 80-71 to Bryan College in the opener. 

Cumberland (0-1) got off to a slow start getting down 31-10 quickly, but responded to make a four-point game at the break. However, the Phoenix never could regain the lead. Cumberland shot 36.2% from the field. The Phoenix made 6-of-26 three-pointers and went 15-of-24 from the line. 

Triston Conger had a career-night to start his sophomore season. Conger led the game with a career-high 28 points shooting 10-of-17 added in five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Baqi Lecky scored 13 points going 4-of-7 from the field and Demarius Boyd scored 12 points off the bench.

Bryan College shot 44.6% from the field. The Lions knocked down nine three-pointers and outrebounded the Phoenix 48-42. The Lions had 15 offensive rebounds that turned into 21 points. 

Dalen Giles led the effort for the Lions scoring 21 points with six rebounds. Giles hit five threes in the first half going for 18 points the first 20 minutes of play. Ian Johnson added in 15 points while Josh Baugher and Trey Morrow each scored 12. Kole Torres had 11 to round out the double-digit scorers. 

The first half saw a fast start by both teams, with Cumberland's Triston Conger hitting a three-pointer just after Bryan's Kheller Die opened the scoring with a layup. Cumberland then grabbed momentum, taking an early 6-2 lead after a three by Jalin Anglin. Bryan responded with a pair of layups, including a fastbreak finish by Die, to retake a 7-6 advantage. Cumberland held a slim lead until Bryan surged ahead with an 11-0 run, sparked by a Dalen Giles three-pointer, to push their lead to 31-10, a 21-point lead at the 10-minute mark.

Bryan extended their lead to as much as 20 points at one stage, thanks to solid contributions from Josh Baugher and Giles. Cumberland, however, fought back late in the half. A 12-0 run led by Demarius Boyd and Conger brought them within striking distance, cutting Bryan's lead to 35-34. Boyd's jumper and a strong layup from Conger in the closing minutes helped Cumberland keep the game close.

As the half neared its end, Bryan's Giles hit a crucial three-pointer to extend their lead to eight points. However, Cumberland responded with a three from Boyd, closing the gap to 43-40. Bryan managed to hold on to a slim 44-40 advantage at the break, despite Cumberland's determined push.

In the second half, Bryan used a series of scoring runs to extend their lead and maintain control of the game. The Lions opened the half with a quick 5-0 spurt, capped by Ian Johnson's three-pointer, taking a 47-40 lead. Soon after, Bryan surged again, with Josh Baugher's layup and Kheller Die's free throw pushing the margin to nine points at 50-40. 
Bryan continued the offensive momentum, going on another run with Johnson hitting another three-pointer and Die scoring back-to-back layups. This stretch allowed the Lions to establish a 13-point lead at 59-46 by the 13:33 mark.

Cumberland fought back, responding with Cooper Abner's three-pointer to bring the score to 59-47, but Bryan's defensive presence kept them in control. Bryan used another run, sparked by Kole Torres and Trey Morrow, to push the lead to 17 at 67-50 with just over nine minutes remaining. Despite Cumberland's efforts to chip away in the final minutes, Bryan's consistent scoring and defensive stops ensured they maintained a comfortable lead, ultimately securing the victory 80-71.

The Phoenix will be on the road on Saturday as they travel to Union University in an exhibition contest with the Bulldogs.