Cumberland WBB and MBB sweep Bethel, Recaps and Photos
Lebanon, Tn –
The Cumberland Phoenix women’s and men’s basketball teams each took care of business on their home court in a Mid-South Conference clash on Saturday afternoon.
Cumberland WBB 61 Bethel 53 OT
It took overtime to settle the women’s game when Kayla Gorda calmly knocked down two free throws with seven seconds left to tie the game at 49-49, then the Phoenix rode that momentum to a 61-53 win, outscoring the Wildcats 12-3 in the extra frame.
The game was close throughout, but Bethel did open up an 18-10 lead early in the second quarter, only to see Cumberland finish the half on a 19-8 run to lead 29-27 at the half. The third and fourth quarters saw several lead changes before Gordon hit her clutch foul shots at the end of regulation.
Cumberland was led by Lindsey Freeman with 18 points, and Kayla Gordon added 11 points for the Phoenix. Britany Miller nearly had a double-double with 9 points to go with 15 rebounds. Abby Morgan and Keara Sexton also had nine points for Cumberland.
Bethel got a double-double from Madison Hart with 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Anya Patterson scored 11 points, and Reagan Blackburn chipped in 9 points for the Wildcats.
With the win, the Cumberland Phoenix improve to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in Mid-South Conference play. Next up will be a home game on the 15th against Georgetown College.
The Bethel Wildcats drop to 7-5 overall and 2-5 in Mid-South Conference action. Next for the Wildcats will be a home contest on the 13th against Wilberforce
Cumberland MBB 70 Bethel 59
It was a close first half with the Bethel Wildcats taking a 38-33 lead into the locker room, but the Cumberland Phoenix got inspired at the break, as they went on a 23-3 run to begin the second half to lead 56-41 with 10:59 remaining, and Cumberland outscored Bethel 37-21 in the second half for the 70-59 win.
Tajah Fraley scored 18 points off of the bench to lead Cumberland in scoring, while Jordan Stephens tallied 16 points, TJ Stargell added 14 points, and Ty’Reek Johnson netted 10 points for the Phoenix.
Yassine Zlitni and Keyshawn Kennedy each scored 11 points to lead Bethel, and Connor Guthrie added 10 points for the Wildcats.
With the win, Cumberland improves to 7-5 overall and 4-3 in Mid-South Conference play. Next up for Cumberland will be a home tilt on the 15th vs Georgetown College.
After the loss, Bethel falls to 7-5 overall and 3-4 in Mid-South Conference play. Next up for the Wildcats will be a road trip to UT Martin on the 13th.
