Phoenix Look to Defend Home Court Against No. 2 Freed-Hardeman

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland men's basketball returns home Monday for a Mid-South Conference matchup, hosting No. 2 Freed-Hardeman inside the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena. The contest pits the Phoenix against one of the nation's most complete teams, as Freed-Hardeman enters the game riding a 19-game winning streak and holding a top-two ranking in the NAIA.

Cumberland comes in with renewed momentum after snapping an eight-game skid with a 71-69 win over Lindsey Wilson last Saturday. The Phoenix are 5-2 at home this season and have leaned on physical rebounding and aggressive on-ball defense, ranking among the NAIA leaders in steals per game. Cumberland averages 77.5 points per contest while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and nearly 69 percent at the free-throw line, with rebounding remaining a consistent strength at 38.3 boards per game.

Individually, the Phoenix are led by Triston Conger, who averages 17.8 points per game and has shouldered the scoring load throughout conference play. Michael Nwoye provides a steady interior presence, posting 12.3 points and a team-high 8.7 rebounds per game, while Nick Brunetti (10.4 ppg) and Zaylin Rowland (9.4 ppg) give Cumberland additional perimeter scoring options. Riggs Abner and Jake Hatch round out a balanced rotation capable of attacking off the dribble and creating second-chance opportunities.

Freed-Hardeman brings one of the most efficient profiles in the country into Lebanon, averaging 87.2 points per game on 49.8 percent shooting from the floor. The Lions rank among the NAIA's elite defensively, allowing just 61.1 points per game while holding opponents to 37.2 percent shooting overall and 27.8 percent from beyond the arc. Their pressure defense has forced a nation-leading 21.5 opponent turnovers per game, consistently turning stops into transition opportunities.

The Lions feature a deep and balanced lineup led by Sam Powell and Phil Horton, who average 13.1 and 13.0 points per game, respectively. Rico Sain and Lane Lauderbaugh add additional scoring threats both averaging double figures as well, while Freed-Hardeman's depth allows it to maintain a high tempo and physical presence for all 40 minutes. The Lions are unbeaten in conference play and have gone 12-1 on the road this season.

Saturday's matchup also continues a long-running series between the two programs dating back to 1966. Freed-Hardeman holds a narrow 28-22 edge in the all-time series, though Cumberland has found success at home with a 14-11 record in Lebanon. The Phoenix earned an 89-79 home win last season when Freed-Hardeman was ranked No. 1 before the Lions responded with an 89-61 victory in the most recent meeting on February 13, 2025. Cumberland has won two of the last ten meetings.

Tipoff is set for Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Lebanon as Cumberland looks to protect its home court and secure a statement win against one of the nation's top-ranked teams. The game will be streamed for free on the Urban Edge Network and Jon Boyce and Harley Dixon will have the call on WANT FM 98.9.

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