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Cumberland University

Ever Walker
43
Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA 14-9, 0-7
58
Winner Bethel (TN) BETHEL ( 22-3, 7-2
Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA
14-9, 0-7
43
Final
58
Bethel (TN) BETHEL (
22-3, 7-2
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA 11 9 11 12 43
Bethel (TN) BETHEL ( 13 15 10 20 58

Next Game:

at Campbellsville University (Ky.)

2/7/2026 | 12:00 PM

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Full Schedule
Feb. 07 (Sat) / 12:00 PM
at Campbellsville University (Ky.)
History

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

No. 3 Bethel Pulls Away in Fourth for 58-43 Win

McKENZIE, Tenn.--Cumberland was unable to overcome a strong fourth-quarter push from No. 3 Bethel, falling 58-43 on the road Thursday night. The Phoenix stayed within striking distance for much of the contest but were hurt by turnovers and cold shooting, as the Wildcats controlled the pace late to pull away down the stretch.

Cumberland (14-9, 0-7 MSC) finished the night shooting 28.0 percent (14-of-50) from the floor and 16.7 percent (4-of-24) from three-point range, while converting 11-of-20 attempts at the free-throw line. The Phoenix held a 37-34 rebounding edge, including nine offensive boards, but committed 22 turnovers that led to 19 Bethel points. Cumberland totaled four assists, six steals, and scored 18 points in the paint.

Ever Walker led Cumberland with nine points, knocking down two three-pointers and finishing with a late layup in the fourth quarter. Ty Buckley added eight points and eight rebounds, while Emaleigh Tarpley recorded seven points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. Sydney Schwallie chipped in four points on a three-pointer, and Braley Bushman scored eight points off the bench with a three and two free throws.

Bethel (22-3, 7-2 MSC) shot 32.2 percent (19-of-59) from the field and 23.3 percent (7-of-30) from beyond the arc, while going 13-of-20 at the line. The Wildcats dished out 10 assists, forced 22 turnovers, and finished with seven steals and two blocks. Bethel outscored Cumberland 20–12 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

For Bethel, Mikee Buchanan paced all scorers with 14 points, hitting four three-pointers and grabbing 10 rebounds. Madison Hart added 13 points, going 8-of-11 at the free-throw line, while MJ Simmons also finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Micah Hart contributed eight points, and Hallie Turner led the Wildcats with five assists.

The Phoenix opened the game with early baskets from Buckley and Varpness to build a 6-0 lead out the game.Bethel responded quickly behind Hart and Simmons, while Walker knocked down a three and added a free throw to keep Cumberland in front midway through the first quarter. The Wildcats closed the opening period with a late three from Reynolds for their first lead of the game and a 13-11 lead after the first.

The second quarter saw Bethel begin to create separation, using efficient shooting and trips to the free-throw line to extend the lead. Simmons continued to pace the Wildcats with a pair of field goals, while Mikee Buchanan buried a three to push Bethel in front 20-15.

Cumberland stayed within striking distance at the line, as Buckley and Tarpley combined for several free throws, and Buckley capped the half with a layup to pull the Phoenix within six. However, Madison Hart converted two free throws in the final seconds to send Bethel into halftime with the 28-20 advantage.

Offense was slow to start the second half for both teams. After six minutes of play, Buchanan hit two threes before Walker hit one for Cumberland to end a six minute scoring drought. 

Cumberland used the momentum from the Walker triple to go on a 8-1 run and get back in the game. On the run, Bushman and Long both got going with baskets and free throws to trail by seven at the end of the third, 38-31. 

The Wildcats opened the fourth with a quick burst as Hart converted a layup and a free throw before Adalyn Koelling added a layup and a free throw to push Bethel in front by double digits. Cumberland answered behind  Bushman, who knocked down a three-pointer and added a free throw, keeping the Phoenix within reach early in the quarter.

Midway through the frame, Tarpley finished at the rim and later connected from the line, while Schwallie buried a three to trim the deficit to nine with under two minutes remaining. Bethel would keep pushing the pace late and end up with a 58-43 win. 

The Phoenix will be on the road on Saturday at No. 4 Campbellsville. Tip-off is set for noon central time against the Tigers. 
 
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Players Mentioned

Emaleigh Tarpley

#15 Emaleigh Tarpley

G/F
5' 11"
Junior
Ever Walker

#3 Ever Walker

G
5' 5"
Senior
Ty Buckley

#24 Ty Buckley

G
5' 6"
Senior
Braley Bushman

#1 Braley Bushman

F
5' 10"
Redshirt Sophomore
Sydney Schwallie

#21 Sydney Schwallie

G
5' 5"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Emaleigh Tarpley

#15 Emaleigh Tarpley

5' 11"
Junior
G/F
Ever Walker

#3 Ever Walker

5' 5"
Senior
G
Ty Buckley

#24 Ty Buckley

5' 6"
Senior
G
Braley Bushman

#1 Braley Bushman

5' 10"
Redshirt Sophomore
F
Sydney Schwallie

#21 Sydney Schwallie

5' 5"
Senior
G