Pulaski, Tenn. - - Cumberland women's basketball came close to pulling off a comeback however, on Tuesday night the Phoenix fell 65-62 on the road to Tennessee Southern inside Curry Athletic Complex. The Phoenix fought back from a 17-point first-quarter deficit to send the game to overtime but ultimately came up just short against the Firehawks, moving to 6-2 on the season.
Tennessee Southern came out firing, shooting 66.7% in the opening quarter to take a commanding 26-13 lead. The Phoenix tightened up defensively from there, holding the Firehawks to just 10 points in the second quarter and seven in the third to claw back into the game. Cumberland outscored Tennessee Southern 44-29 over the final three quarters of regulation, forcing overtime tied at 57.
Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, but the Firehawks capitalized on late free throws in the extra period to edge the Phoenix by three.
Cumberland shot 35.6% from the field, 36.8% from three, and 81.3% from the line 13 of 16. The Phoenix won the rebounding battle 34-38 and forced 23 turnovers, turning them into 18 points. CU got 24 points in the paint and 16 from the bench.
Ty Buckley led the way with 17 points, knocking down three triples and adding four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Riley Long recorded 13 points and nine rebounds, just shy of a double-double, while also collecting two steals and two blocks. Braley Bushman posted 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench, hitting six of seven free throws. Faith Colston added 11 points on 3 of 4 from deep and grabbed five boards. Sydney Schwallie chipped in five points, six assists, and a steal, while Ever Walker went a perfect 2 for 2 from the line and added two points.
The Firehawks were led by Ashley Dickey's 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals. Ramie Reid followed with 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Lauren Smith tallied 13 points and six boards. Tennessee Southern shot 37.5% from the floor and 81.3% at the line, matching Cumberland's free throw efficiency.
After trailing 36-26 at halftime, Cumberland came alive in the third quarter behind back to back threes from Buckley and Colston to tie the game at 43. The Phoenix then took their first lead early in the fourth after a pair of Ever Walker free throws and a Riley Long layup, but the Firehawks answered to force overtime.
In the extra frame, the Phoenix briefly cut the deficit to two behind Long's jumper and free throw, but Tennessee Southern sealed the win with clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Cumberland will return home to the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena on Friday to host Toccoa Falls College at 5:30 p.m.
