Columbia, KY – In an NAIA Top-25 showdown, the #15 University of the Cumberlands Women's Basketball team had two players score in double figures, but a late rally by #24 Lindsey Wilson resulted in the Patriots falling 79-73 Thursday night at Biggers Sports Center. With the loss, UC moves to 17-7 overall and 2-6 in Mid-South Conference play, while the Blue Raiders improve to 19-4 overall and 6-2 in league action.
Joy Kendrick led the Patriots with 19 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Jaydyn Carrico added 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. Peyton Mounce chipped in nine points and six rebounds, while Lakin Burke and Darcie Anderson each added eight points.
The two teams traded baskets early as Zaram Fredricks converted a layup to tie the game at 2-2. Kendrick followed with a pair of baskets to give UC a 9-7 lead midway through the opening quarter. The Patriots continued to attack inside as Carrico scored six first-quarter points, and Anderson hit a jumper at the buzzer to give Cumberlands a 19-17 lead after one.
Mounce and Kendrick opened the second quarter with a pair of baskets as UC pushed its advantage to 24-21. A jumper from Aden Clark and a three-pointer from Amy Thompson extended the lead to 29-25 with just over six minutes remaining in the half. Lindsey Wilson responded with a late run, however, taking a 40-37 lead into the break.
The Patriots came out strong in the third quarter as Carrico and Burke scored early to regain the lead. A three-pointer from Mounce capped a 7-0 run as UC stretched its advantage to 54-50 midway through the period. Kendrick added a jumper late in the quarter, and Cumberlands held a 58-57 lead heading into the final frame.
Lindsey Wilson opened the fourth quarter with a run to retake the lead, but Kendrick answered with a jumper to give UC a 68-67 edge with just over four minutes remaining. The Blue Raiders regained the lead at 70-68 before Mounce hit a jumper to tie the game at 70-70 with 2:46 left. Kendrick then drained a three-pointer to put the Patriots ahead 73-70, but Lindsey Wilson closed the game on a decisive 9-0 run over the final two minutes to secure the 79-73 victory.
Cumberlands will return to action on Saturday as they continue Mid-South Conference play. UC will remain on the road as they head to Georgetown, KY to face (RV) Georgetown College at 1 p.m. ET.
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