Williamsburg, KY – The #15 Patriots women's basketball team played strong defense, but it wasn't enough as they fell to #2 Freed-Hardeman 74-56 Saturday afternoon on Randy Vernon Court.  With the win, the Lions improve to 21-1 and 6-1 in conference play, while the Patriots move to 17-5 and 2-4 against the MSC.

Lakin Burke led the way for UC with 11 points and seven rebounds, including grabbing her 700^th career board.  Peyton Mounce went 5-9 from the field to notch 11 points as Joy Kendrick and Aden Clark added 10 points apiece.  Noel Smith grabbed ten rebounds as she grabbed double-digit boards for the second straight game. 

The Patriots win the opening tip and on that possession, Joy Kendrick hit a pull up jumper to make it 2-0.  Freed-Hardeman took a 5-4 lead before Kendrick connects with Zaram Fredricks for a jumper to put UC back in front.  The Lions netted five straight points, over a two minute span, before Peyton Mounce hits a pull-up jumper to cut the deficit to 10-8 with 3:17 remaining.  Aiden Clark added a layup in the closing seconds of the to cut the deficit to 20-12.

Both teams traded baskets to open the second quarter as Freed-Hardeman took a 28-16 lead with 2:45 remaining in the first half. A jumper from Amy Thompson sparked a five-point run for the Patriots as they cut the deficit to 30-21 at the break.

Cumberlands added baskets from Mounce and Clark to cut UC deficit to 33-26.  The two teams traded baskets over the next three minutes until Mounce converts a putback to bring UC within ten at 42-32.  Freed-Hardeman extended their lead to 47-32 before Clark and Kendrick hit back-to-back jumpers to make it 49-36.  UC add a couple free throws to cut the deficit to 49-39 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Patriots continued their strong defense in the fourth quarter, while adding baskets from Mounce and Burke to bring Cumberlands within nine at 52-43 with seven minutes remaining.  A minute later, Darcie Anderson intercepted a pass, while Mounce banked in a three-pointer to make it 54-46.  Cumberlands went on a 5-3 run cutting the deficit to 57-51 with 4:16 remaining.  That was the closest UC came as Freed-Hardeman pulled away for the 74-56 final.
 
Cumberlands will return to the court on Monday, February 2^nd, when they host #4 Campbellsville. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. with live video available here.
 
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