HENDERSON, Tenn– In a rather shocking defeat, the Freed-Hardeman Lions Men's Basketball team lost to the Cumberland Phoenix, 80-57, Saturday afternoon in Lebanon.  

Despite leading on the scoreboard for the majority of the first 10 minutes of the game, the Lions (12-9, 7-7) were outmatched in almost every facet of the game the rest of the way. After the 7-minute mark, the Phoenix (13-5, 9-5) went on a 16-4 run to close out the first half, leading 41-27 at the break.

Cumberland continued to outpace the Lions in the second half, increasing their lead to as many as 31 with just under six minutes remaining in the half. The Lions did finish the game on a 10-0 run, but it didn't prove to be enough as the Phoenix came away with the win on their home court. 

As a result of a 23-point loss, the stat sheet heavily favored the Phoenix. The Lions were -13 on the boards, -26 in points in the paint and shot just 41% from the field. Kortland Martin, fresh off scoring his 2,000 career point, struggled to find his touch, posting just 2 points on 1-5 shooting. Ryley McClaran led the way with 11 points and 3 assists, with Hunter Scurlock posting 10 points of his own.

Up Next: After a tough loss on the road, the Lions will look to regroup and get back to winning ways as they continue their road trip, taking on Pikeville tomorrow at 7PM.