Cumberland Men’s Basketball Returns to Lebanon to Host Campbellsville in the Phoenix’s Conference Home Opener

LEBANON, Tenn. -- Phoenix Look For Their First Conference Win As They Host The Tigers on Thursday.

Cumberland (8-10, 0-3) just came off of a tough performance at Georgetown, losing 104-81 and allowing 18 three point baskets on 50% shooting from three. The defense is what is going to look to show up when they return to Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena for the first time in 51 days. On the season, the Phoenix have allowed 79.8 points per game on 44.8% from the field and 33.4% from three.

Michael Nwoye has been a bright spot for the Phoenix, as the freshman from Antioch claimed his first Mid-South Conference Player of the Week award after averaging 23.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field and scoring a career high 31 points against the Cumberlands. This season, Nwoye is averaging 13.1 points per game on 54% shooting from the field, to go along with a conference leading 9.2 rebounds per game, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Along with Nwoye, Triston Conger has been the focal point for the offense, ranking third in points per game in the conference, with 19.0 ppg on 50% shooting from the field, to go along with a conference leading 4.3 assists per game and 1.9 steals per game. Nick Brunetti has grown into a solid third option, averaging 10.8 points per game on 41.9% from the field, 33.3% from three, and 71.9% from the free throw line. Jake Hatch (22 threes made on 31.9% shooting) and Jaren Davis (17 threes on 30.4% shooting) have provided some shot making from behind the arc.

For Campbellsville (14-5, 0-3), they are also looking for their first conference win, as they have just come off of a 48-80 loss to Freed-Hardeman on Saturday. The Tigers love to play a low scoring game, with the average score being 75.5-67.7. Campbellsville committed the lowest amount of turnovers per game in the conference at 10.8 turnovers per game and led the conference in assists per game at 16.8.

Individually for the Tigers, junior guard Dalton Kramer is leading the way, averaging 15.1 points per game on 50% shooting from the field, 36.8% from three, and 88% from the free throw line. Kramer also is averaging 5.5 rebounds per game and 2.5 assists per game. Senior forward Jay Milburn is the second option for Campbellsville, averaging 10.8 points per game on 46.7% shooting from the field and 35.6% from three, to go along with 5.1 rebounds. Junior forward Eli Brooks (9.2 points per game) and graduate guard Marcellus Vail (9.1 ppg) produce solid scoring behind Kramer and Milburn.

Looking at the history between Cumberland and Campbellsville, the Tigers are leading the series 23-16. However, the Phoenix were able to sweep Campbellsville last season, and are currently on a two game winning streak in the series. When the Phoenix are playing at home against the Tigers, Cumberland is 9-10.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm as the Phoenix play their first conference game at home this season and look to win their first conference game.

The game will be streamed for free on the Urban Edge Network, as well as Jon Boyce and Harley Dixon will have the call on WANT FM 98.9. If you are going to Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena, wear white!

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Players Mentioned

#77 Nick Brunetti: G; 6' 4"; Sophomore

#1 Triston Conger: G; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

#2 Jaren Davis: G; 6' 3"; Freshman

#4 Jake Hatch: F; 6' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

#7 Michael Nwoye: F; 6' 7"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#77 Nick Brunetti
: 6' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#1 Triston Conger
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: G

#2 Jaren Davis
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: G

#4 Jake Hatch
: 6' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

#7 Michael Nwoye
: 6' 7"; Freshman
: F