Columbia, KY – Tevin Olison and Steven Fitzgerald combined for 42 points but it wasn't enough as the the (RV) Patriots men's basketball team fell to Lindsey Wilson 73-69 Saturday afternoon.  With the win the Blue Raiders improve 4-9 overall and 2-8 against the MSC, while Cumberlands moves to 12-5 overall and 6-5 in conference play.

Olison netted 29 points on 10-16 shooting from the field with five rebounds and three steals.  Fitzgerald continued his strong play adding 13 points and five rebounds, while Deng Mayot chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

Lindsey Wilson struck first but the Patriots responded quickly with buckets from Jahi Hinson and Deng Mayot to take a 5-2 lead two minutes into the game.  The Blue Raiders outscored UC 7-3 over the next three minutes, however, Cumberlands netted six straight points to take a 14-9 with 13:17 remaining.  The two teams traded baskets over the next several minutes until Josh Williams drained a three to make it 25-21 midway through the first half.  The shot was part of a 7-0 run that was capped off by an Olison steal and dunk giving UC a 29-21 edge with 7:36 remaining.  The Blue Raiders went on an 8-1 run to cut the lead to 30-29  before Hinson hit a jumped in the paint to push the lead back to three points.  Olison and Mayot scored the final five Patriot points of the first half, however a Payton Cundiff three as time expired evened the score 37-37 at the break.

UC started the second half with three straight points, including an Isaiah Thompson layup to make it 40-37.  Lindsey Wilson netted four straight points to take the lead, but it was short lived as Hinson connected with Olison for three, which was immediately followed by a Lamar Harris block to give UC a 43-41 edge with 16:29 remaining.  There was two lead changes over the next several minutes until Olison scored five straight points to give the Patriots a 52-47 lead with 11:15 remaining.  A couple minutes later, the Blue Raiders retook the lead at 55-54, however UC was quick to respond as Fitzgerald hit a jumper in the paint to make it 56-55 with 8:26 remaining.   Lindsey Wilson utilized a 10-3 run to take a seven point lead until Olison drained a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 65-61 with 2:56 remaining.  Cumberlands pulled within wo points at 65-63 but that was the closest they came as Lindsey Wilson made six free throws for the 73-69 final

The Patriots return to the court Thursday, January 21, when they return home to face #16 Martin Methodist. UC will look to avenge a loss earlier this season with tip-off being set for 8 p.m. Live video is available here, while live stats are available here.

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