Bowling Green, Ky.-- The No. 8 Patriots took over in the second half, ultimately defeating the Phoenix 100-81 and ending their season at the Mid-South Conference Quarterfinals.

Cumberland stayed competitive early on, keeping the game close in the first half. However, the Patriots came out strong after halftime, dominating inside play. 

The Patriots outrebounded Cumberland by 30, giving them more scoring opportunities inside. Despite shooting 45.0% from the field, the Phoenix couldn't keep up with the Patriots' 50.7% shooting, especially with the Patriots taking 13 more shots inside. The Patriots capitalized on second-chance points, scoring 17 total.

Triston Conger had a standout game, scoring a career-high 25 points for Cumberland. Demarius Boyd contributed 19 points, including two of the team's six three-pointers, while Doyell Cockrill III added 11 points. Keyshawn Robinson played a key role on defense with seven rebounds.

Matthew Cromer led the Patriots with 20 points, shooting 50.0% from the field and behind the arc. He also made all six of his free throw attempts. Three Patriots players grabbed eight or more boards.

The Phoenix stumbled out of the gate, giving up a triple on their first possession and struggling to find their shot for the first two minutes. Despite the slow start, they clawed back from a seven-point deficit with a 12-2 run, turning the tide in their favor.

Beljwok Adiang spun around for a putback, propelling the Phoenix to a 31-28 lead at the 6:28 mark. However, the Patriots quickly countered with a 15-3 run, seizing control as Cumberland endured another two minutes of offensive struggles.

In the final 1:56 of the half, Cumberland made a push to gain momentum. Boyd's difficult fadeaway shot and Cockrill's free throws brought the score to 42-38.
However, the Patriots capitalized on their size advantage, grabbing crucial rebounds and extending their lead to seven with the extra possessions. 

Conger's free throws briefly narrowed the gap to 45-40. Still, the Patriots finished the half strong, with Jonathan Brown grabbing an offensive board and hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lead by eight at halftime.

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Patriots extended their lead to double digits for the first time all game, with Cromer hitting seven consecutive points.

Despite this, the Phoenix rallied, reducing the deficit to just six with a jumper from Cockrill and a fast-break three-pointer from Jaheim Berry.

Midway through the half, the Phoenix started settling for tough three-pointers that wouldn't go, while the Patriots maintained their focus on scoring inside, finding success with tip-ins and close-range shots.

The Phoenix relied heavily on free throws to stay in the game, but with unstopped transitional offense, the Patriots slipped away.