COLUMBIA, KY – The Patriots came up just short Thursday night, falling 94-88 on the road to Lindsey Wilson inside Biggers Sports Center. Cumberlands battled throughout and cut the deficit to two possessions late, but could not get over the hump, moving to 19-5 overall and 4-4 in Mid-South Conference play.
 
Kyle Duke led the Patriots with 24 points, knocking down four threes and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line while adding five rebounds and three assists. Brant Smithers followed with 23 points off the bench, connecting on six triples, and Javecckio Thomas finished with 13 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Andrew McConnell added seven points and three assists, Anthony Harris chipped in seven, Brady Bell scored six, and Malachi Robinson and Tanner Walton added four and two points, respectively.
 
Cumberlands opened the game trading baskets early as Duke hit a three to give UC an early lead. After falling behind by a few possessions, the Patriots responded behind perimeter shooting, with Brady Bell knocking down back-to-back threes to pull UC within one. Midway through the half, Smithers came off the bench and connected on three triples in a short span, helping Cumberlands briefly take the lead at 19-15. The game remained tight through the remainder of the period, but Lindsey Wilson closed the half with a late run to take a 41-38 advantage into the locker room.
 
The Patriots came out of halftime aggressive, with Duke scoring inside to cut the margin to three before Smithers added another three to keep UC within striking distance. Lindsey Wilson answered to stretch the lead to seven, but Cumberlands continued to battle. With just over ten minutes remaining, a Duke layup and a Smithers three trimmed the deficit to three at 63-60.
 
Down the stretch, the game stayed within one or two possessions. UC cut the margin to 70-68 on a Duke basket and later pulled within six following another Smithers three with under two minutes to play. However, Lindsey Wilson converted at the free-throw line in the final minute, preventing a late comeback as Cumberlands fell 94-88.
 
UC shot 45.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three while making 18-of-23 at the free-throw line. The Patriots forced 13 turnovers and scored 34 bench points, but were unable to overcome second-half shooting efficiency from the home side and were outrebounded 28-41.
 
Cumberlands (19-5, 4-4 MSC) will now set their sights on #18 Georgetown College, as they travel north to Georgetown, KY on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 PM ET.
 
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