LEBANON, TN – The Pats turned in one of its most complete defensive performances of the season Thursday night, defeating Cumberland University (Tenn.) 66-51 inside Dallas Floyd Arena. Cumberlands held the Phoenix to just 32.8 percent shooting from the field, the lowest FG% for a UC opponent this season, while building a double-digit first-half lead and never trailing in the contest. The victory moves UC to 20-6 overall and 5-5 in Mid-South Conference play.
 
Brant Smithers led the Patriots early with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while Kyle Duke added a game-high 19 points. Notably, Duke scored all 19 of his points in the second half, taking over offensively after halftime. Andrew McConnell finished with nine points and five rebounds, and Javecckio Thomas contributed seven points and seven boards while anchoring the interior defense. Ikemba Otuonye added six points and six rebounds, Malachi Robinson chipped in two, and Anthony Harris added two as nine Patriots saw action.
 
Cumberlands set the tone early as McConnell opened the game with a three to give UC a 3-0 lead. The Patriots extended the margin to 10-2 midway through the half behind a Brady Bell three and free throws from Otuonye. Smithers then caught fire from deep, knocking down consecutive triples to push the lead to 16-4. UC's defense was equally dominant, forcing turnovers and contesting nearly every shot attempt. With just under 10 minutes remaining in the half, another Smithers three made it 21-6, and the Patriots maintained control to take a 33-17 advantage into the locker room.
 
CU attempted to chip away early in the second half, trimming the deficit to 39-28, but Duke answered with a jumper and later a strong finish in transition to push the lead back to double digits. Duke continued his second-half surge with back-to-back baskets midway through the period to make it 45-28, and Smithers added a three to stretch the margin to 48-30.
 
The Phoenix made one final push, cutting the lead to 56-43 with under five minutes remaining, but Cumberlands responded with defensive stops and timely free throws. Duke drilled a three with just over a minute left for the dagger as UC went ahead 64-47, and Thomas sealed the win at the line as UC closed out the 66-51 victory.
 
Cumberlands shot 38.6 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from three but forced 18 turnovers and scored 15 points off those miscues. The Patriots also controlled the boards 51-33 and recorded seven blocks in a defensive effort that limited Cumberland to 2-of-14 from beyond the arc.
 
The Pats will be off Saturday, returning to the court next weekend as they travel to Campbellsville. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
 
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