HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Lions basketball team (3-2, 1-0 MSC) knocked off Cumberland University (3-1, 0-1 MSC) 89-21 on Thursday to open up Mid-South Conference play.

In the first half, the Lions only trailed 2-0 to start the game, but they were able to take a lead after layups from Geraldo Lane and Kortland Martin. They wouldn't trail again for the remainder of the half, even leading by as many as 10 on their way to a 39-31 lead at the break.

The second half started off with the Lions picking up right where they left off, starting the final 20 minutes on an 8-4 run to lead the game by 12. But the Phoenix wouldn't go away lightly, getting it back to single digits, cutting the lead to as little as two with just over 14 minutes to play, and keeping it to single digits until about eight minutes left, when the Lions were able to extend their lead back to 10.

The two teams would trade buckets for a few minutes, but the Lions would never let the Phoenix get within eight points. Down the stretch, the Lions would lead by as many as 19 on their way to the 18-point win.

Kortland Martin led all scorers in the contest with 27 points. Ryley McClaran came off the bench to record his first career double-double, scoring 12 points and pulling down a career-high 10 rebounds.

Geraldo Lane scored 16 points in his first career start for the Lions, followed by a season-high 15 points for Hunter Scurlock and 14 points from Zach Baugher.

The Lions will continue conference play on Saturday when they host Lindsey Wilson. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.