Men's Basketball set for Tough Test at No. 8 Cumberlands

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland men's basketball stays on the road for one of its toughest tests of the season on Thursday, traveling to Williamsburg, Ky., to take on 8th-ranked University of the Cumberlands.

The Phoenix enter the contest looking to build momentum behind a balanced offensive attack that has averaged nearly 79 points per game while shooting 45.3 percent from the field this season. Cumberland has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, knocking down 89 three-pointers on the year while also generating production at the free-throw line.

Defensively, the Phoenix have held opponents to 44.3 percent shooting and continue to emphasize rebounding and ball pressure as they prepare for one of the league's most explosive lineups.

Offensively, Cumberland is led by Triston Conger, who has emerged as one of the top scorers in the conference. Conger enters the matchup averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the floor and nearly 80 percent at the free-throw line. Michael Nwoye, who averages 11.8 points and a team-best 9.3 rebounds per game, giving the Phoenix a strong interior presence. Nick Brunetti (10.9 ppg), Zaylin Rowland (9.9 ppg), and Jake Hatch (6.7 ppg) provide additional scoring depth, while Riggs Abner adds versatility with his rebounding and ability to attack the basket.

The Phoenix dropped their conference opener last Saturday to Lindsey Wilson. Cumberland trailed by as much as 12 before rallying to tie and take the lead late, but NAIA Player of the Week Kenyata Carbon lifted the Blue Raiders over the Phoenix.

Cumberlands brings one of the nation's most potent offenses into the matchup, averaging 89.7 points per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range. The Patriots rank among the NAIA leaders in offensive efficiency and rebound margin, and they are particularly dangerous at home, where they are a perfect 8-0 this season.

Kyle Duke headlines the Patriots' attack, averaging 21.3 points per game, while Andrew McConnell (14.2 ppg) and Brant Smithers (11.0 ppg) give Cumberlands multiple perimeter threats capable of stretching the floor.

The Patriots are hungry to get back in the hunt of conference play after going on the road and losing to both Bethel and Freed-Hardeman last week.

Tonight's game continues a long-standing rivalry between the two programs. Cumberlands holds a 29-10 advantage in the all-time series, including a 94-73 victory in the most recent meeting at the Mid-South Conference Tournament last March. The Phoenix have found success in the series in recent years, however, winning three of the last ten matchups, including back-to-back victories during the 2022-23 season.

Tipoff is set for this evening in Williamsburg as Cumberland looks to secure a statement road win against a nationally ranked opponent and continue its push through conference play.

The game will be streamed for free on Urban Edge Network as well as Jon Boyce and Harley Dixon will have the call on WANT FM 98.9.

Print Friendly Version