Crestview Hills, KY – Tevin Olison netted at least 20 points for seventh time in the last eight games, however, it wasn't enough as the Patriots fell to Thomas More 85- 71 Saturday afternoon at the Connor Center. With the win the Saints improve to 20-6 overall and 7-5 in conference play, while the Patriots move to 20-6 overall and 9-3 against the MSC.
In addition to Olison,
Jahi Hinson tallied 15 points and four rebounds.
Steven Fitzgerald and
Ethan Snapp chipped in nine points apiece.
Caleb Taylor got the scoring started on the opening possession, while five straight points from Olison gave UC a 7-6 edge. The two teams traded baskets until a
Hunter Bode jumper extended Cumberlands lead to 13-9 with 13:44 remaining. Thomas More went on a 9-6 run to cut the Patriots lead to 19-18 midway through the first half. The Saints went on a 14-2 run, over a six-minute span, to take a 34-23 lead. Cumberlands responded in part with a three pointer from Olison coupled with a Hinson jumper to cut the deficit to five a 36-31. Thomas More outscored UC 6-4 over the final four minutes of the half to take a 42-35 lead into the break,
Thomas More opened the second half on a 19-3 run, to take a 59-38 lead with 15:37 remaining. The two teams traded baskets over the next six minutes until Fitzgerald drained a three followed by a
Bri'an Brown layup cut the deficit to 74-54 midway through the second half. Cumberlands responded with a 12-3 run, including eight from Olison, to make it 79-66 with 2:20 remaining. Thomas More outscored UC 6-5 over the final two minutes for the 85-71 final.
The Patriots will return to action Thursday, February 20, when they travel to Portsmouth, OH to face #21 Shawnee State. Tip off is slated for 8 p.m. with live stats will be available
here and live video available
here.
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