Clutch shooting down the stretch lifted the Bulldogs to a 68-64 win over Cumberland. This is the first conference win for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ as they improved to 1-4 in conference and 11-9 overall. Cumberland fell to 11-12 overall and 1-4 in the TranSouth.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ had only a two point lead briefly on two occasions in the first half as Cumberland led for the majority of the half. Cumberland took a 37-30 lead into the locker room. The second half started off much the same as with 10 minutes to go in the game, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ still trailed by 7 points, 54-47. From that point, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ outscored Cumberland 21-10. In the last ten minutes Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ made 11 straight free throws including 6-of-6 in the last 40 seconds to seal the win. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's senior guard, Michael Katrosh once again came up big with back-to-back three pointers, the first to cut the Cumberland lead to just two at 61-59 and the second to give Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ their first lead of the second half at 62-61. After that, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ made four straight free throws to move the lead to five. With four seconds remaining, Erik Smith of Cumberland made a three to cut the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ lead to just two. However, two free throws by senior Derrick Underwood sealed the deal giving Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ this much need confidence builder.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ was led by Bruno Martinessi with 21 points and eight rebounds. Michael Katrosh and Derrick Underwood added 15 and 12 respectively. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ made 21-of-26(.808) free throws for the game, including 16-of-17 in the second half. Cumberland was led by Jeremy Lewis with 21 points and Guasean Nicholson with 14.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ plays next again Thursday, February 6 as they travel to Martin Methodist for an 8:00 p.m. game.