Box Score LEBANON, Tenn. – Men's Basketball Falls Against RV University of the Cumberlands in a Close One.
The Phoenix started out hot tonight leading the Patriots 7-0 within the first two minutes of play. The Patriots of the Cumberlands jumped ahead quickly after going on some runs to take the lead 36-30. Triston Conger continues to attack the rim and draw fouls with 10 points with five minutes left in the first half of play.
The Phoenix brought it back and tied it after being down as much as eight points after a Khi Wallace offensive rebound and slam for the tie at 36 all. The Patriots went on a small run towards the end of the half to increase the lead but Keshawn Robinson hit a three at the buzzer to make the score 46-44 with the Patriots leading.
At the half, Cumberland trailed by two points shooting 42% from the field, 40% from the three point line, and 85.7% from the free throw line. Conger led the Phoenix with 12 points, three rebounds and assists. Jalin Anglin followed up Conger with 10 points and two steals.
Both teams came out of the half firing on all cylinders with Conger continuing to impress in the second half bringing his total up to 18 points. Robinson hit yet another three out the gate to take the lead 60-57. Not even halfway through the second half, the Phoenix have four players with double digit points.
The second half went back and forth with runs and ties. Demarious Boyd also showed his continued success knocking down a game tying three with about eight minutes left to play. Conger also continued to drive the lane and get to the free throw line. The Patriots took a seven point lead with five minutes left after a series of fouls by the Phoenix. Anglin turned the corner late in the second half with a quick nine points but the Patriots held onto the lead after the Phoenix got it within three. The Patriots close it out and win 103-98.
The Phoenix finished with three guys scoring 20+ points for the first time since 2021. Conger recorded 25 points, Boyd finished with 22, and Anglin finished with 21. The team as a whole finished shooting 45% from the field and 40% beyond the arc. Cumberland shot 88.5% from the free throw line shooting 23-26. Khi Wallace also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Phoenix are back in action Thursday, January 30th facing off against the reigning National Champions, Freed-Hardeman University at 7:30.
