WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – Life University (11-5, 0-1 MSC) fell in the Mid-South Conference opener 91-72 to No. 24 University of the Cumberlands on Saturday.

"We just never got into an offensive rhythm today," Head Coach Keith Adkins said. "To win in MSC play, especially on the road, you have to string together quality offensive possessions, and we just didn't do that. Also, giving up over 90 points in a MSC game almost assuredly gives you no chance to come out with a win." 

Four Running Eagles posted double digit points in the loss. Junior Deven Dorsett paced the squad with 19 points, as well as three rebounds and a steal. Senior Ivan Benkovic followed with 14 points, six rebounds and an assist. Senior Undra Mitchem logged 13 points with five rebounds and an assist. Senior Zach Landis contributed 12 points, nine rebounds and four steals.
 
Life U struggled mightily in the conference opener and only led by three points for less than a minute at the outset of the game. The Running Eagles could not seem to get anything going as Cumberlands took their first lead at 6-3 and proceeded to run out on an 11-1 run. They push their out to the largest of the half at 23-8 less than 10 minutes in. However, Life U trimmed the lead and managed to keep the deficit in single digits for most of the remainder of the half. The Patriots held a 39-33 lead going into the break.

After the intermission, the Running Eagles did not stop fighting and battled to come within one point of the lead at 48-47 early in the second half. Unfortunately, that would be as close as they got as the Patriots went on to push the lead out to double digits for the rest of the game. They took their largest lead at 90-67 with less than a minute remaining, and came away with a 91-72 win.
 
Life U returns home on Thursday, Jan. 11 to face off against No. 1 Georgetown in the Eagles' Nest.