Cumberland University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Braley Bushman knocked down two free throws with five seconds remaining to lift Cumberland women's basketball to a thrilling 78-76 road victory over Fisk University on Saturday, spoiling the Bulldogs' Homecoming celebration.

Bushman led the Phoenix with 29 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while going a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. Emaleigh Tarpley recorded a double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Dayonna Perryman added 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Cumberland shot 37.8 percent from the field and connected on 20-of-24 free throws. The Phoenix also grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and outscored Fisk 32-14 in the third quarter.

The Phoenix opened the game with a basket from Bushman before the two teams traded leads throughout the first quarter. Tarpley led Cumberland's early offense with 10 points, but Fisk held a narrow 19-18 advantage heading into the second.

Cumberland regained the lead early in the second quarter behind baskets from Perryman and Tarpley. Fisk responded with a scoring run to take control, building an eight-point lead late in the half. Bushman converted a three-point play in the closing seconds to cut the deficit to 37-32 at halftime.

The Phoenix came out strong in the third quarter, opening on an 11-0 run to take a 43-37 lead. Cara Lee Gilbert knocked down a three-pointer, while Tarpley continued to find success inside. Bushman added a three of her own, and Perryman scored eight points in the final three minutes to help Cumberland take a 64-51 lead into the fourth.

Fisk battled back in the final quarter, using a 15-2 run to tie the game at 66-66. The Bulldogs eventually took a 74-70 lead with just over two minutes remaining, but Bushman answered with a putback basket and four consecutive free throws to give Cumberland a 76-74 advantage.

After Fisk tied the game with 10 seconds remaining, Bushman grabbed an offensive rebound following a missed three-pointer and drew a foul with five seconds left. The junior calmly knocked down both free throws to put Cumberland ahead 78-76. Fisk's final three-point attempt missed, and Gilbert secured the rebound to seal the Phoenix victory.

The Phoenix will return home on Wednesday to face Life University in their home opener at Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena after opening the season with five consecutive road games. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT.