Cumberland University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Cumberland men's basketball battled back from a 16-point first-half deficit to force double overtime against Fisk University on Saturday afternoon, but the Phoenix came up just short in a 103-100 loss at Henderson Johnson Arena.

Arnez Anderson and Nick Brunetti led Cumberland with 22 points apiece, while Jaren Davis added 21 points and six rebounds. Malik Currie recorded a double-double with 12 points and a team-high 12 rebounds, while Kenny Ellis finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

The Phoenix shot 51.9 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc, but Fisk connected on 20 three-pointers to help secure the win.

Fisk came out firing from long range, building an early 14-3 advantage behind a strong shooting performance. Cumberland responded with baskets from Ali Tore and Anderson to cut the deficit to three at 18-15 midway through the first half. However, the Bulldogs continued to find success from the perimeter, extending their lead to as many as 16 points before taking a 44-32 advantage into halftime.

Cumberland came out of the break with a much stronger offensive performance, shooting 54.8 percent from the field in the second half. Davis led the second-half charge with 15 points, while Anderson and Brunetti each added 11. The Phoenix outscored Fisk 48-36 in the period, erasing the halftime deficit to send the game into overtime tied at 80.

With Fisk holding a two-point lead in the closing minutes of regulation, Brunetti knocked down a three-pointer with 1:23 remaining to tie the game at 78. After the Bulldogs regained the lead at the free-throw line, Davis connected on two free throws with 41 seconds left to even the score at 80. Both teams came up empty on their final possessions, sending the game into overtime.

Cumberland carried that momentum into the first overtime period, opening with baskets from Currie and Brunetti before Davis connected on a three-pointer to give the Phoenix an 87-81 lead with 2:30 remaining. Fisk responded with a 7-0 run to take an 88-87 advantage. Davis answered with a basket to put Cumberland back in front, but Kaleb Jeffries knocked down another three to give the Bulldogs a 91-89 lead. Ellis responded with a layup with 22 seconds remaining to tie the game at 91 and force a second overtime.

Fisk opened the second overtime with a three-pointer from Jeffries, but Currie answered with back-to-back baskets to keep the Phoenix within one. The Bulldogs extended their lead to six before Brunetti connected from beyond the arc to make it 101-98 with 1:24 remaining. Anderson added a layup off a steal with 20 seconds left to cut the deficit to one, but Fisk converted two free throws in the closing seconds to secure the 103-100 victory.

Cumberland finished with five players scoring in double figures and held a 40-28 advantage in made field goals. Fisk was led by Jeffries with 29 points and eight three-pointers, while Simeon Williams II added 28 points and 14 rebounds.

The Phoenix will return to action Friday as they travel to Lawrenceville, Ga., to face No. 18 Georgia Gwinnett. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.