LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland women's basketball returns to the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena on Monday for a Mid-South Conference matchup, hosting No. 2 Freed-Hardeman in Lebanon. The Lions enter the contest as one of the NAIA's elite programs, bringing a 21-1 overall record.
Cumberland looks to halt a five-game conference skid while returning to the comfort of home, where the Phoenix are 7-2 this season. On the year, Cumberland averages 74.1 points per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from three-point range. The Phoenix have been most effective on the glass and at the free-throw line, ranking among the conference leaders in rebound margin and free-throw attempts, while holding opponents to just 62.2 points per game defensively.
Offensively, Cumberland is led by Ty Buckley, who averages 16.1 points per game and has been a consistent scoring threat from all three levels. Emaleigh Tarpley adds 12.2 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game, anchoring the Phoenix inside, while Braley Bushman (10.9 ppg) and Riley Long (10.4 ppg) give Cumberland multiple double-figure scoring options. Faith Colston and Sydney Schwallie provide additional perimeter shooting and defensive energy, helping fuel Cumberland's transition game.
Freed-Hardeman enters the matchup averaging 74.8 points per game while ranking among the NAIA's best in shooting efficiency at 48.7 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Lions have been dominant, allowing just 54.5 points per game while holding opponents to 33.5 percent shooting overall and under 26 percent from three-point range.
Individually, the Lions are led by Lilly Kee, who averages 15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting over 66 percent from the floor. Jenna Satterly and Rachel Satterly headline a deep and efficient backcourt with Jenna averaging 15.4 points per game and Rachel at 11.5. Ally Weathers adds a strong interior presence with 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest. Freed-Hardeman features multiple scoring options, allowing the Lions to maintain balance and tempo throughout the lineup.
Saturday's contest also continues a series that dates back to 1998. Freed-Hardeman holds a 37-7 advantage in the all-time series, though several recent meetings have been competitive. The Lions earned a 51-44 win in the most recent matchup on February 13, 2025, while Cumberland picked up a 57-44 home victory during the 2023-24 season. Four of the last ten meetings have been decided by six points or fewer, underscoring the tight margins between the two programs.
Tipoff is set for Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Lebanon as Cumberland looks to defend its home court and earn a statement win against the nation's second-ranked team. The game will be broadcast for free on the Urban Edge Network and Jon Boyce and Harley Dixon will have the call on WANT FM 98.9.
