Women's Basketball Geared Up for Conference Dual at No. 14 Cumberlands

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Women's Basketball heads back on the road Thursday afternoon, traveling to Williamsburg, Kentucky to take on the Cumberlands Patriots in a 4:30 p.m. CT tipoff at the O. Wayne Rollins Center.

The Phoenix enter the matchup at 14-3 overall and 0-1 in Mid-South Conference play, looking to respond after a 97-74 setback at RV Lindsey Wilson on Saturday. Cumberland continues to rank among the NAIA's most efficient offensive teams, averaging 77.6 points per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 33.2 percent from three-point range. The Phoenix also excel at the free-throw line, ranking 14th nationally with 262 made free throws this season, and hold opponents to just 61.1 points per game.

Individually, Cumberland features a balanced scoring attack led by Ty Buckley, who averages 15.8 points per game, while Emaleigh Tarpley (12.4 ppg) and Braley Bushman (12.1 ppg) both provide consistent interior and perimeter production. Riley Long has emerged as a strong presence in the paint, shooting 51.9 percent from the floor while pulling down 6.5 rebounds per game, and Sydney Schwallie adds two-way impact with 6.1 points per game, a team-high 61 assists, and steady perimeter defense.

The Patriots come into Thursday's contest ranked 12th nationally with a 15-3 overall record, though they have dropped their first two MSC games to No. 6 Freed-Hardeman Lions and Bethel. Cumberlands is one of the nation's most explosive offensive teams, averaging 84.0 points per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and ranking second nationally with 50.0 rebounds per contest. Their +21.4 rebounding margin leads the NAIA and creates frequent second-chance opportunities.

The Patriots are paced by Joy Kendrick, who averages 16.6 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the floor and 45.1 percent from beyond the arc. Lakin Burke adds 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, while Zaram Fredricks anchors the interior with 12.3 rebounds per contest, ranking among the national leaders on the glass. Cumberlands' size and rebounding depth will pose a significant challenge for the Phoenix, particularly in limiting paint touches and second-chance points.

Thursday's matchup figures to hinge on Cumberland's ability to stay out of foul trouble and control the boards against one of the NAIA's top rebounding teams. Defensively, the Phoenix will be tasked with contesting shots early and limiting Kendrick's perimeter looks while matching Cumberlands' physicality inside. Matchups featuring Tarpley and Long against the Patriots' frontcourt will be critical in setting the tone.

The two programs have met 40 times dating back to 1998, with Cumberlands holding a 26-14 advantage in the all-time series. Cumberland will look to flip recent history, as the Patriots have won the last 12 meetings.

Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT on Thursday in Williamsburg, Kentucky, as the Phoenix seek a bounce-back performance to open their road stretch in Mid-South Conference play.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Riley Long: F; 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore

#15 Emaleigh Tarpley: G/F; 5' 11"; Junior

#24 Ty Buckley: G; 5' 6"; Senior

#1 Braley Bushman: F; 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

#21 Sydney Schwallie: G; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#22 Riley Long
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

#15 Emaleigh Tarpley
: 5' 11"; Junior
: G/F

#24 Ty Buckley
: 5' 6"; Senior
: G

#1 Braley Bushman
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

#21 Sydney Schwallie
: 5' 5"; Senior
: G