BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - - Men's Basketball Advances to the Mid-South Conference Semi-Final after beating Bethel 79-68.

The Phoenix started hot in the first half shooting above 60% from the field through the first eight minutes. Jalen Anglin hit a three earlier in the game to extend the lead for Cumberland at 7-2. CU had their biggest lead of the first half 10 minutes in the game leading by after an Anglin fast break which put the score at 23-14. 

Bethel went on a 8-0 run to take the lead over the Phoenix at 36-33. The Phoenix were outscored 10-1 in the last three minutes of the first half. The first half was highlighted by Demarius Boyd and Anglin who both recorded seven points a piece. The Phoenix shot an exact 50% from the field and from the three point line. Cumberland shot 2-7 from the free throw line.

Cumberland recorded 10 turnovers in the first half that led to four scoring opportunities for the Wildcats. Cumberland forced nine turnovers and capitalized on three of those.  

The start of the second half, Boyd with an and one and making the free throw put the Phoenix up by one point. Freshman of the year Khi Wallace sparked some momentum for CU with a massive dunk to spark an eight point difference from halftime and take the lead by four. After giving up a couple to the Wildcats, Anglin hit another three and the Phoenix lead by five with the score being 46-41 with the Phoenix in charge. 

Anglin and Wallace took control of the game eight minutes into the second half with four possessions of rebounds by both and scores on offense to hold the six point lead at 51-45. A tough layup by Boyd and a clutch three by Boyd puts the Phoenix ahead 58-50. 

Demarius Boyd continued his success with a monster three to give him 20 points and extend the lead for the Phoenix. Tristan Conger hit three clutch free throws with three minutes left to lead 74-61 with only two minutes left to play. Keyshawn Robinson hit a tough shot in the paint with only 55 seconds left of play to make it a 12 point game. 

The Phoenix advance to the semi-finals after a huge performance from Demarius Boyd and Jalen Anglin. Boyd recorded 21 points, and four steals to give himself player of the game honors!

Jalen Anglin recorded 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Phoenix. 

Cumberland shot 31-62 (50%) from the field and 41.7% from the three point line shooting 5-12. Five Phoenix players recorded double digits in scoring which included Keyshawn Robinson with 10, Triston Conger with 12, Khi Wallace with 10, Jalen Anglin with 18 and Demarius Boyd led with 21. 

The Phoenix will face the No. 1 seed, University of the Cumberlands on Monday, March 3rd at 5:00 PM for a chance at the Mid-South Conference Championship game.