Full Court Press: Thursday Night Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Photo / Austin Peay Athletics / Lameria Thomas shoots over Queens defender

Women’s Basketball

University of Tennessee vs. Missouri

Tennessee 98, Missouri 53

KNOXVILLE, TN - Tennessee made a statement at Boeing Arena, blowing the doors off Missouri with a dominant offensive performance. The Vols overwhelmed the Tigers early with a balanced attack — heavy ball movement, relentless cutting, and efficient interior scoring — and never let Missouri find a rhythm. Tennessee’s defense forced turnovers and turned them into easy transition buckets, while the Vols’ depth kept fresh legs on the floor the entire second half. Local sources noted coach praise for the team’s shot selection and defensive intensity; Tennessee improves its standing with a convincing win while Missouri will regroup and look to shore up perimeter defense.

Vanderbilt vs. Texas

Vanderbilt 86, Texas 70

NASHVILLE, TN - Vanderbilt turned Memorial Gym into a hostile place for the Longhorns, powering a comprehensive win behind hot outside shooting and scrappy defense. The Commodores got key scoring from veteran wings, and their full-court pressure created multiple Texas turnovers that turned into easy points. Texas struggled to sustain offensive runs and missed several late attempts that could have cut into the deficit. Mikayla Blakes led the team with 34 points and Aubrey Galvan poured in an additional 18. This dynamic duo continues to provide the motor that keeps the Dores lethal verse any opponent. The win boosts Vanderbilt status as a premier favorite to win it all in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Tennessee State University vs. Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana 81, Tennessee State 55

EVANSVILLE, IN - Southern Indiana controlled this one from the opening whistle, using efficient shooting and strong defensive rotations to hold TSU well below its scoring average. Tennessee State battled on the boards but couldn’t convert enough second-chance points, and the lack of late-game scoring options made it difficult to close the gap. Tennessee State will need to focus on creating cleaner looks and improving offensive execution in order to stay competitive in coming games.

Middle Tennessee State University vs. Jacksonville State

Middle Tennessee 57, Jacksonville State 48

MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee’s defense set the tone in a grind-it-out win over Jacksonville State. The Blue Raiders clamped down early, forcing contested looks and limiting second-chance opportunities, and it paid off with a slim halftime edge they extended after the break. Offense came in bursts: timely drives to the rim and smart ball movement produced the possessions that mattered most in a low-scoring affair.

MTSU’s backcourt controlled tempo, hit key free throws down the stretch and closed out possessions with disciplined defense. Jacksonville State battled hard on the boards and threatened late, but the Blue Raiders responded with consecutive stops and a few clutch buckets to pull away. The victory highlighted MTSU’s depth and late-game composure as they continue their push in conference play.

Lipscomb vs. Bellarmine

Lipscomb 74, Bellarmine 44

LOUISVILLE, KY - Lipscomb dominated from start to finish in a game that tilted heavily toward disciplined offense and stifling defense. The Bisons forced turnovers, turned defense control into offense opportunities, and cruised to a comfortable victory. Lipscomb was lead by McKayla Miller who poured in 19 points and Taylor Bowen who grabbed 12 rebounds. Lipscomb now 9 - 15 look to improve that record on Saturday against Queens (NC).

Austin Peay vs. Queens

Austin Peay 85, Queens 47

CLARKSVILLE, TN - Austin Peay overwhelmed Queens with a full-court effort, pushing the pace and converting turnovers into easy baskets. The Governors’ depth showed — bench scoring and defensive pressure created separation early, and the lead only grew. Local beat coverage praised Austin Peay’s conditioning and the staff’s defensive game plan that limited Queens’ usual offensive sets. The Govs were led by Jermany Mapp with 17 points and Hannah Hicks with 8 rebounds.

Tennessee Tech vs. Morehead State

Tennessee Tech 61, Morehead State 58

MOREHEAD, KY - A tight OVC clash saw Tennessee Tech pull out a narrow win behind late free-throw makes and a few hustle plays that changed possessions. Morehead State fought hard but came up one possession short after missing a late attempt to tie. Tennessee Tech’s improved late-game execution and the importance they are making to cleanup turnovers will prove valuable as the 14 - 10 Golden Eagles head closer to tournament play.

Cumberland University vs

Cumberland 65, Cumberlands (KY) 61

LEBANON, TN — The Phoenix women picked up their first conference win at home, upsetting No. 21 University of the Cumberlands 65-61 in a hard-fought Mid-South Conference battle. Cumberland shot 36.1 percent (22-of-61), sank eight threes, and made 13-of-15 free throws while turning the ball over just eight times and forcing 17 Patriot miscues.

Ty Buckley led the Phoenix with 17 points and eight rebounds; Braley Bushman added 16 points and eight boards. Ever Walker scored 12 with three triples, and Riley Long contributed 11. Emaleigh Tarpley provided an interior spark with eight points and five rebounds. After falling behind 7-0 early, Cumberland chipped away and trailed just 16-17 after the first quarter, then took a 31-29 lead into the half.

Cumberland extended the margin in the third and carried a 55-46 lead into the fourth. The Patriots made a late surge, but clutch free throws from Buckley, a key layup from Tarpley and timely defensive stops — including strong rebounding from Faith Colston and Sydney Schwallie — allowed the Phoenix to hold on for the 65-61 victory.

The Phoenix will look to build on the weekend at home when they host Georgetown College at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Men’s Basketball

Tennessee State University vs. Southern Indiana

Tennessee State 73, Southern Indiana 71

EVANSVILLE, IN - TSU ground out a difficult win versus a determined SIU. In what is becoming a norm with the Tigers energy when needed helped lift the Tiger to a win and a tie for first in the conference battle with UT Martin. Tigers - Travis Harper II (22) and Aaron Nkrumah (17) as usual turned on the jets when needed to overcome huge deficits in a matter of minutes.

Middle Tennessee vs. Kennesaw State

Middle Tennessee 90, Kennesaw State 87

KENNESAW, GA - Middle Tennessee survived a shootout on the road, edging Kennesaw State in a high-scoring affair. The Blue Raiders’ offense found enough late buckets to answer every KSU run, and free-throw shooting down the stretch proved decisive. Local observers highlighted MTSU’s ability to make adjustments in late possessions and the confidence that comes from winning a tight offensive game.

Tennessee Tech vs. Morehead State

Tennessee Tech 66, Morehead State 73

MOREHEAD, KY - Morehead State edged the Golden Eagles in a physical OVC matchup. The Morehead State Eagles used a late surge and some timely defensive stops to keep Tennessee Tech at bay, converting a handful of clutch possessions that made the difference. Tennessee Tech made a valiant effort by erasing a 20 point deficit to six in the final minute. A field goal percentage of 39.7% compared to Morehead State’s 49.1% proved to be a major factor in the final box score. Sits in the lower third of the OVC standings but still has a good opportunity to make the tournament sitting only a game behind Eastern IL in the 8th and final position.

Belmont vs. Northern Iowa

Belmont 91, Northern Iowa 86

NASHVILLE, TN - Belmont held off a late Northern Iowa charge in a competitive non-conference contest, using disciplined half-court sets and efficient free-throw shooting to preserve the win. Northern Iowa stayed dangerous with bursts of pressure defense and perimeter shooting, but Belmont’s veteran leadership steadied the ship in the final minutes.

Men’s Basketball — Cumberland at Cumberlands (KY)

Cumberland 51, Cumberlands (KY) 66

LEBANON, Tenn. — The Phoenix men were doomed by a slow start, falling 66-51 at Dallas Floyd Arena. The Patriots opened the game with a made three just seconds in and, after a brief early exchange, seized control with a trio of triples that pushed the lead to 13-4. Cumberland never found a consistent offensive rhythm in the first half, shooting 6-of-31 from the floor and 1-of-7 from three, while the Patriots closed the half on a 20-11 run to take a 33-17 lead into the break.

Cumberlands (KY) leaned on Brant Smithers in the first half — he finished with 13 first-half points on 5-of-7 shooting, including three triples. Cumberland (TN) got solid work on the glass from Jake Hatch and Michael Nwoye early, but the Phoenix couldn’t consistently convert second-chance opportunities into points.

The Phoenix did show life in the second half, shooting 46.7 percent after the break and outscoring Cumberlands 34-33, but the early deficit proved too large. Nwoye finished with nine points and six rebounds; Hatch added eight points and four boards. Cumberland returns to Dallas Floyd Arena on Saturday to face Georgetown.