Jeremy Wright, Sports Information Intern

HENDERSON, Tenn. — The Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team (11-6, 6-5 MSC) defeated in-state rival Cumberland University (6-9, 5-8 MSC) 90-81 on Thursday night to complete the season sweep.

To start the game, the Lions would strike first, quickly building a 17-9 lead. The Phoenix would quickly respond as they would put together a 10-0 run to take the lead midway through the half. The teams would trade baskets for a while before another scoring run by the Phoenix would stretch their lead to as many as 10 points late in the half. The Lions would cut into the deficit to end the half, but the Phoenix took a 47-39 lead going into the break.

To start the second half, the Lions came out with new-found life, as the team notched an 18-3 run out of the locker room to take a five-point lead. The Phoenix refused to go away as the teams would trade baskets for the majority of the half. Late in the game, the Lions would heat-up from deep and separate in the contest. The team would lead by as many as nine points, as late game free-throws would ultimately put the game out of reach.

The Lions were led in scoring by Kortland Martin, who had 29 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond-the-arc and 11-of-15 overall from the field.

Wanya King had 23 points, connecting on five shots from the beyond-the-arc as well. John Musselwhite scored 12 points, connecting on four shots from beyond-the-arc and collected nine rebounds in the win.

The Lions will open a two-game road trip on Saturday with the second of two matchups with Lindsey Wilson. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.