Women's Basketball Set to Open Conference Action against Lindsey Wilson

LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland Women's Basketball opens up Mid-South Conference play on the road Saturday, traveling to Columbia, Kentucky, for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff against Lindsey Wilson University at Biggers Sports Center.

Cumberland enters conference play with a 14-2 overall record after completing one of its most successful non-conference schedules in recent seasons. The Phoenix have won eight straight games and are averaging 77.9 points per game while ranking among the NAIA's top teams in scoring efficiency, rebounding margin (+8.6), and free-throw percentage (75.0%). Cumberland has also been great defensively, allowing just 58.8 points per game and holding opponents to 38.4% shooting from the field.

The Phoenix offense features a balanced attack led by Ty Buckley, who averages 15.7 points per game, while Emaleigh Tarpley and Braley Bushman each contribute 12.3 points per contest while Tarpley sits second in the league in rebounds per game at 8.1. Riley Long provides interior scoring and rebounding presence averaging 11.9 points per game and 6.8 boards. Cumberland's depth has been a key factor throughout the season, having the ability to plug and place different players in the lineup on any given night.

Lindsey Wilson enters the contest with a 13-3 overall record following a loss at No. 3 Campbellsville in its conference opener last night. The Blue Raiders are receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

Lindsey averages 77.1 points per game and mirrors Cumberland statistically in several areas, including field-goal percentage (43.2%) and rebounding (41.9 per game), while ranking among the national leaders in offensive efficiency and rebound margin.

The Blue Raider lineup is led by Meadow Tisdale, who averages 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while Taylor Guess (10.1 ppg) and Saniyah Shelton (9.7 ppg) add scoring balance. Amelia Hodges provides perimeter shooting, averaging 9.4 points per game while connecting on 34.7 percent from beyond the arc, giving the Blue Raiders multiple scoring options at every level.

Saturday's matchup figures to be decided by pace and defensive execution, as both teams rank among the NAIA's top 50 in scoring defense. Cumberland's ability to force turnovers (21.2 opponent turnovers per game) and control the glass will be tested against a Lindsey Wilson team that takes care of the basketball and ranks first nationally in fewest turnovers per game (10.8).

The two programs have met 37 times since 2000, with Lindsey Wilson holding a 23-14 advantage in the all-time series. The Blue Raiders have won the last four meetings, including a buzzer beater win in Columbia last season. Three of the last four meetings have been decided by single digits.

Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. CT on Saturday in Columbia, Kentucky, as Cumberland looks to carry its momentum from non-conference play into the opening weekend of Mid-South Conference action.

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