Columbia, KY – The #16 University of the Cumberlands men's basketball team utilized a 41 point second half to overcome a five point halftime deficit and defeat (RV) Lindsey Wilson 70-65 Saturday afternoon at the Biggers Sports Complex.  With the win the Patriots extend their win streak to seven straight while improving to 14-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play.

Tevin Olison led the way for Cumberlands with 23 points and five rebounds. Jahi Hinson provided 17 and five rebounds points off the bench, while Ethan Snapp drained four three's as part of his 18 point performance.  Bri'an Brown dished out a team-high four assists to go along with four rebounds in the win.

Lindsey Wilson jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, however a three-pointer from Snapp coupled with a Hinson three-point play put UC in front 8-6 five minutes into the first half. The score was tied three times over the next couple of minutes with the las tone coming at 15-15 with 8:16 remaining.  The Blue Raiders utilized an 11-5 run, over a three minute span to take a 26-20 lead.  Cumberlands continued to battle with Olison making a steal and hitting a field goal to cut the deficit to four.  Olison and Hinson combined for the Patriots final seven points of the half, however, UC went into the break trailing 34-29.

Cumberlands opened the second half with eight unanswered points, including four points from Steven Fitzgerald, to take a 37-34 lead at the 15:52 mark.  The two teams traded baskets until Snapp hit a pair of free throws to spark an 8-0 run and extend UC's lead to 50-41 midway through the second half.  Lindsey Wilson cut the lead to three points with 7:13 remaining, however Bri'an Brown connected with Snapp from long range to push the lead to 56-50.  Cumberland never trailed from that point forward pushing their lead to as many as seven points at 66-59 with 1:19 remaining. UC knocked down four free throws to close out the game for the 70-65 win. 

The Patriots will return to action Thursday, January 23, when they host 14^th-ranked Pikeville at Randy Vernon Court. Tip off is slated for 8 p.m. with live stats will be available here and live video available here.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter - @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram - @UCPatriots, SnapChat - @UC_Patriots, YouTube – Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.