LEBANON, Tenn. – The Cumberland Phoenix hit the road Thursday evening for a pivotal Mid-South Conference matchup against No. 2-ranked Freed-Hardeman Lions in Henderson, Tenn. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT inside the Brewer Sports Center. Fans can catch the action live on Urban Edge Network and locally on 98.9 WANT.
Cumberland enters the contest at 15-11 overall and 1-9 in conference play, looking to build momentum down the stretch ahead of the conference tournament. Thursday marks the second and final regular-season meeting between the programs. In their previous matchup earlier this season, the Lions edged the Phoenix 65-57 in a tightly contested battle where Freed-Hardeman pulled away in the fourth quarter.
The Phoenix will lean on junior forward Emaleigh Tarpley, who is coming off an impressive double-double performance against RV Georgetown Tigers. Tarpley posted 16 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 5-of-11 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Senior guard Sydney Schwallie also delivered a strong outing in that contest, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Riley Long and Braley Bushman added 12 points apiece, providing balanced scoring for Cumberland's offensive attack.
Freed-Hardeman enters Thursday's matchup at 23-3 overall and 8-3 in Mid-South Conference play. The Lions are coming off a commanding 87-51 victory over No. 5-ranked Campbellsville Tigers last Saturday.
In the first meeting between the two programs, Lilly Kee led the Lions with 18 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Jenna Satterly paced the offense with 22 points, connecting on 6-of-14 from the floor and 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. Rachel Satterly added 13 points, including two three-pointers, while Ally Weathers contributed a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.
For Cumberland, controlling the paint against Kee, limiting the perimeter efficiency of the Satterly sisters, and winning the turnover margin will be key factors. The Phoenix have held each conference opponent below its season scoring average and will look to continue that defensive trend Thursday night.
The programs have met 45 times since 1998, with the Lions holding a 38-7 advantage in the all-time series. Cumberland enters the contest seeking to snap a three-game skid against Freed-Hardeman and aiming for a statement victory over the nation's No. 2-ranked team.
Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT in Henderson, Tenn. Fans can listen live on 98.9 WANT or stream the game via Urban Edge Network.
