The No. 3-ranked University of the Cumberlands men’s basketball team closed out the 2025 calendar year Tuesday afternoon with a dominant 120-58 victory over Milligan University, posting a season-high point total and showcasing its depth inside the O. Wayne Rollins Center.

Cumberlands saw every Patriot who entered the game score, pairing elite efficiency with unselfish play to deliver one of its most complete performances of the season.

Offensive Efficiency and Balance

The Patriots were nearly unstoppable offensively, shooting 46-of-72 (63.9%) from the field and 13-of-29 (44.8%) from beyond the arc. UC also recorded a season-high 24 assists, consistently creating high-quality looks while limiting mistakes.

Andrew McConnell led the attack with 21 points in just 16 minutes, connecting on 6-of-8 shots and draining four three-pointers. Kyle Duke added 17 points and five assists, controlling tempo while scoring efficiently. Kyler McLendon contributed 14 points off the bench, while Ikemba Otuonye chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds in the paint.

First-Half Separation

Cumberlands set the tone early with defensive pressure and transition offense. After Duke opened the scoring at the free-throw line, McConnell quickly caught fire from deep. A Javecckio Thomas block led to a Malachi Robinson fast-break dunk, pushing the lead into double figures.

Midway through the half, the Patriots extended the margin past 20 as Duke knocked down a wing three, Anthony Harris finished a dunk in traffic, and McLendon sparked the bench. UC closed the half on a dominant run to take a 58-27 lead into the break.

Second-Half Surge and Depth on Display

The Patriots showed no signs of slowing after halftime. Duke and McConnell opened the second half with quick scores before Otuonye went to work inside. Robinson added another dunk following a defensive stop, and Harris scored on consecutive possessions as the lead grew beyond 40.

With under 10 minutes remaining, Cumberlands continued to play unselfishly. Shaw Daves knocked down a pair of three-pointers, Jalan Johnson scored in transition, and the Patriots crossed the 100-point mark with over six minutes to play. A late Otuonye layup capped the scoring in the 120-58 win.

Statistical Dominance

Cumberlands controlled every phase of the game:

  • Rebounding: UC 40, Milligan 17
  • Points in the Paint: UC 60, Milligan 34
  • Points off Turnovers: UC 22
  • Bench Points: UC 64

Defensively, the Patriots forced 12 turnovers and held Milligan to 36.9% shooting and 19.0% from three.

Up Next

Cumberlands returns to action Saturday, January 3, hosting Dalton State at 3:00 p.m. inside the O. Wayne Rollins Center.

Patriots Nation Player of the Game

Drew McConnell

No. 12 Cumberlands Cruises Past Union Commonwealth, 83-35

The No. 12-ranked University of the Cumberlands women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to eight games Tuesday night, earning an 83-35 victory over Union Commonwealth on Randy Vernon Court.

Behind relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring, the Patriots held Union Commonwealth to 27.5% shooting and forced 28 turnovers, turning defense into offense throughout the contest.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Cumberlands opened the game on a 14-0 run over the first four minutes, with five Patriots finding the scoring column early. Darcie Anderson and Mackenzie Babb recorded back-to-back steals that resulted in fast-break layups, stretching the lead to 18-2.

Aden Clark closed the first quarter with consecutive pull-up jumpers, sending UC into the second period with a commanding 24-4 advantage.

Defensive Pressure Fuels Separation

The Patriots continued to overwhelm Union Commonwealth in the second quarter. Anderson scored four straight points as UC opened the period on a 10-0 run, capped by an Amy Thompson layup that pushed the lead to 34-4.

Joy Kendrick closed the half with authority, converting a three-point play at the buzzer to give Cumberlands a 41-13 lead at the break.

Second-Half Control

Cumberlands maintained control throughout the second half. Kendrick sparked the third quarter with a pair of baskets, a steal, and an assist as the Patriots pushed the lead past 30. Three-pointers from Lakin Burke and Clark, along with continued interior scoring, allowed UC to extend its advantage to 64-26 entering the fourth.

In the final quarter, Zaram Fredricks anchored the defense with six points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, as the Patriots outscored Union Commonwealth 19-9 to close out the 83-35 victory.

Standout Performances

  • Joy Kendrick: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
  • Darcie Anderson: Career-high 16 points, 7 steals
  • Lakin Burke: 12 points, career-high two three-pointers
  • Aden Clark: 11 points, 5 assists, 2 steals
  • Zaram Fredricks: Game-high 15 rebounds, 5 blocks

Team Metrics

Cumberlands dominated the statistical categories:

  • Points in the Paint: UC 52
  • Fast-Break Points: UC 22
  • Points off Turnovers: UC 30
  • Rebounding Margin: UC +26

Union Commonwealth was limited to just four made three-pointers and 16 points in the paint.

Patriots Nation Player of the Game

JOY KENDRICK

Up Next

The Patriots return to action Saturday, January 3, when they host Miami-Hamilton. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. inside the Rollins Center.

Join the Conversation

X: @UCPatsNation

Instagram: @ucpatriotsnation

Threads: @ucpatriotsnation

Reddit: r/CumberlandsPatriots

Facebook: Patriots Nation