Men’s Basketball Begins Their Short Road Trip With A Matchup Against Bethel

LEBANON, Tenn. -- Phoenix hit the road to face off against the Wildcats in Crisp Arena

Cumberland (9-12, 1-5) are coming off of a loss to No. 2 Freed Hardeman 75-61, and are looking to bounce back as they head to McKenzie. Cumberland was able to get the lead down to five with just under five minutes left to play, but then the Lions were able to pull away and take the win. The Phoenix average 76.7 points per game on 45.1/31.5/69.2 shooting splits on the season, while allowing 78.7 points per game on 44.8/33.7/68.0 shooting splits. On the glass, Cumberland averages 38.2 rebounds per game, and allows 36.7 rebounds per game.

Individually for the Phoenix, Triston Conger has been a steady presence scoring and distributing the basketball. With the sophomore guard averaging 17.7 points per game and 4.0 assists per game. Conger has been held under double digits and under two assists only once this season. Freshman forward Michael Nwoye has cooled off after his monster game at the Cumberlands, but Nwoye is still a strong inside presence for the Phoenix, averaging 12.0 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game, including 3.3 offensive rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Nick Brunetti and freshman guard Zaylin Rowland have been giving some offensive firepower. With Brunetti scoring 10.1 points per game and Rowland scoring 10.0 points per game.Cumberland has begun to see a positive development in the three point shooting department, with Riggs Abner (40%), Jordan Jenkins (37.5%), and Jake Hatch (31.0%) being able to provide some punch beyond the arc.

For Bethel (16-7, 2-5), they are looking to get back into the win column after losing their last four games, including a 100-62 loss to No. 18 Georgetown on Saturday. The Wildcats have a potent offensive attack, averaging 79.2 points per game on 43.3/31.7/69.2 shooting splits, while allowing opponents to 75.3 points per game on 42.4% from the field and 31.9% from three. Bethel is a strong rebounding team, averaging 41.1 rebounds per game, while allowing 34.9 rebounds per game.

Bethel is led by senior guard Chauncey Hughes III, who averages 15.8 points per game on 41.1/36.7/84.6 shooting splits. Senior guard David Starr adds some extra scoring punch alongside Hughes, with Starr averaging 11.3 points per game and collecting 4.4 rebounds per game. The Wildcats' inside presence is dominated by junior forward Ethan Turner, who averages 9.9 points per game on 46.2% shooting from the field and grabbing 6.1 rebounds per game, including 2.3 offensive rebounds.

In the all-time series between Cumberland and Bethel, Cumberland has dominated the series, winning 24 of the 32 matchups, and winning the last matchup 79-68 in the Mid-South Tournament. When the Phoenix head to McKenzie to face the Wildcats, Cumberland has a record of 10-6.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 and the game will be broadcasted on for free on Bethel's Hudl page with Jon Boyce and Kyle Allen will be on the call on WANT FM 98.9.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Riggs Abner: G; 6' 6"; Graduate Student

#77 Nick Brunetti: G; 6' 4"; Sophomore

#1 Triston Conger: G; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

#4 Jake Hatch: F; 6' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

#7 Michael Nwoye: F; 6' 7"; Freshman

#42 Zaylin Rowland: G; 6' 2"; Freshman

#23 Jordan Jenkins: G; 6' 1"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#3 Riggs Abner
: 6' 6"; Graduate Student
: G

#77 Nick Brunetti
: 6' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#1 Triston Conger
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: G

#4 Jake Hatch
: 6' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

#7 Michael Nwoye
: 6' 7"; Freshman
: F

#42 Zaylin Rowland
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: G

#23 Jordan Jenkins
: 6' 1"; Junior
: G