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Athletics News Release

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Men Lose by Three Points in First Game Since Storms Hit Campus

JACKSON, Tenn. - 2/11/2008 - The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ University Bulldogs lost their second straight game by three points after having a lead in the final minute of play. In Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's first game since the tornado hit Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's campus last Tuesday night, No. 24 Cumberland University (Tenn.) defeated Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ University 64-61. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ dropped to 13-10 on the season and 7-6 in the TranSouth. Cumberland improved to 17-7 overall and 11-4 in the conference. This marked the first game in seven days for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.

The first half was played close as neither team gained more than a six-point advantage. Cumberland led by as many as six points (14-8), while Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ posted their biggest first half lead of five points, 23-18, at the 7:55 mark. Cumberland used a 12-4 run to close the half with a 30-27 lead.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ trailed by five points early in the second half before posting a 12-2 run to jump up by five points, 43-38 at the 11:57 mark on a three pointer from senior Ryan Merriman. It was Cumberland's turn to rally as they took the lead back at 44-43. The teams went back and forth and with just 45 seconds left, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Tacuma Alexander made a basket to put Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ up 61-60. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ forced a Cumberland miss on the other end, but missed the front end of a one-and-one with a chance to extend the lead. Cumberland's DeCory Young was fouled and sank both free throws to put his team up 62-61 with just 12 seconds left. A shot by Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Tony Brown went long and Cumberland added two more free throws to seal the win, 64-61.

The game ended with nine ties and 16 lead changes, with neither team leading by more that six points at any time.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ was led by Matt Neaville with 18 points, including 4-of-14 three pointers. Ryan Merriman and Tony Brown each added 12 points, while Roland Banhoro grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ shot just 33-percent from the field, 19-percent (7-36) from behind the arc, and just 44-percent (4-9) from the free throw line.

Cumberland was led by Rontreal Braxton with 20 points. Thomas Douglas added 16 points and DeCorey Yound posted 14 points. Cumberland shot 47-percent from the field, 31-percent (4-13) from three point range, and 88-percent (14-16) from the free throw line.

Up next for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will be a game with crosstown rival Lambuth University (Tenn.) on Thursday night, February 14. The men will play at 8:00 pm, preceded by the women's game at 6:00 pm.

#UNION#


Steven Aldridge
Phone: (731) 661-5027

Fax: (731) 661-5182

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