Cumberland University Thrives Amidst It All: A Night of Excitement and Competition

LEBANON, TN – Cumberland University has become a hive of energy this winter season, successfully rallying support for both its men’s and women’s basketball teams. On a frigid evening that might have deterred the faint-hearted, the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena buzzed with life during recent matchups against regional rival Campbellsville University.

Despite the biting cold outside, fans filled the stands, donning the school colors as the prep band played loudly to engage the audience even more.

Women’s Basketball: Fighting for Respect

The women’s team, under the guidance of Head Coach Mark Vaughn, faced a challenging matchup against the No. 3-ranked Campbellsville. The game closed with a final score of 67-55, with Cumberland (14-6, 0-4 MSC) finishing the night shooting just 34.0 percent from the field. They excelled at the free-throw line, hitting 93.8 percent of their attempts (15-of-16).

Cumberland was led by standout player Emaleigh Tarpley, who scored 19 points, including going 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. Ty Buckley added 15 points and proved a consistent threat, while Faith Colston chipped in with nine points and four steals. Despite the solid performance, the team struggled in the third and fourth quarters, allowing Campbellsville to pull away with an efficient offensive display.

With players like Tarpley and Buckley at the helm, Cumberland is hopeful for improved prospects in the Mid-South Conference as they focus on the next game against Lindsey Wilson.

Men’s Basketball: Battling the Odds

Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team, coached by Eric Evans II, also faced Campbellsville, where they fell 72-56. The Phoenix struggled notably with a cold-shooting first half, finishing at just 35.1 percent from the floor. As the game unfolded, they had moments of promise, cutting a second-half deficit to single digits, but the early hole proved too deep to overcome.

Jordan Jenkins led the scoring for Cumberland with 12 points, while Riggs Abner added 11 points off three made three-pointers. However, the team committed 17 turnovers, and their free-throw shooting left much to be desired, converting only 10-of-17 attempts.

Despite their challenges, the overall energy in the arena remained positive, with fans rallying behind their team through thick and thin. Zaylin Rowland also contributed defensively, pulling down a team-high five rebounds and helping the team force 15 turnovers.

The Importance of Fan Support

As students, alumni, and community members filled the stands, the atmosphere was electric. Chants and cheers echoed as fans rallied behind their teams, exemplifying the strong school spirit that Cumberland University fosters. Events focused on rallying support, like “White Out Night,” have proven successful in galvanizing local staff and students alike.

The university’s dedication to building a winning culture encompasses the entire community, which comes together to support its athletes. The buzz in the arena underscores the investment that fans have in the future success of both basketball programs.

Next Steps

This weekend games against Freed-Hardeman are cancelled due to weather. Cumberland is looking ahead to face Lindsey Wilson at home on January 31. Both the men and women will look for more positive results to improve conference records and prepare for strong showings in tournament play.