BOWLING GREEN, KY – The third-seeded Patriots advanced to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals Saturday night, holding off sixth-seed Cumberland University (Tenn.) 70-66 inside Bowling Green Arena. Cumberlands used a strong opening stretch and late defensive stops to improve to 23-6 on the season.
 
Kyle Duke led the Patriots with 20 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Andrew McConnell added 16 points and four assists. Javecckio Thomas finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, and Brant Smithers chipped in 12 off the bench. Malachi Robinson delivered a dominant effort on the glass with a career-high 17 rebounds to go along with six points.

Cumberlands came out aggressive, opening the game on an 8-0 run behind a Duke three, a Thomas triple, and a fast-break bucket from Duke to take an early 8-0 lead. The Patriots extended the margin to 16-6 midway through the first half after a Smithers three and a McConnell layup in the paint.
 
Cumberland University answered to cut the deficit to 20-16, but Thomas finished inside, and Smithers knocked down another three to keep UC in front. Late free throws from Otuonye and a Thomas three helped Cumberlands carry a 37-36 edge into halftime after leading by as many as 10 in the opening period.
 
The second half saw the Phoenix briefly take the lead at 42-41, but McConnell answered with a three to put UC back in front 44-42. Duke then scored inside to extend the lead to 48-43. Cumberland rallied to tie the game at 59 with just over four minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish.
 
With 2:39 to play and UC trailing 62-61, Duke attacked the paint for a go-ahead layup to make it 63-62. Moments later, Robinson came up with a crucial defensive stop and Thomas converted an and-one opportunity to stretch the margin to 66-62 with 2:13 remaining.

After Cumberland trimmed the lead to one possession, Robinson delivered the biggest defensive play of the night, blocking a layup attempt with just under a minute to play to preserve the Patriots' lead. Duke and McConnell then converted free throws in the final seconds to seal the 70-66 quarterfinal victory.

Cumberlands shot 34.3 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three but dominated the glass 45-37, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points. The Patriots also recorded eight blocks and forced 12 turnovers in the win.

Cumberlands now advances to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals where they will take on Bethel University tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. for a spot in the championship game.
 
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