WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – Life University (7-6, 0-1 MSC) fell in the Mid-South Conference opener 73-61 to the University of the Cumberlands (12-2, 1-0 MSC) on Saturday.
 
"We just didn't have the energy today," Head Coach Anthony Maxwell said. "We played well in spurts, but couldn't sustain any long momentum. We missed 13 point blank layups and 10 free throws in a game that we lost by 12 points. We had a great opportunity to get our first conference win. We need to develop a sense of urgency and pick it up in the intensity department."
 
Sophomore Tierra Lindsey paced the squad with 15 points, as well as eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Senior Kennesha Nichols posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, in addition to three steals, a block and an assist. Sophomore Kayla Kelly contributed 10 points, three rebounds, two steals and an assist.
 
Life U stumbled out of the gate as Cumberlands opened on a 4-1 run. They proceeded to push out to their largest lead of the quarter at 10-5. However, the Running Eagles began to find their legs and took their first lead at 12-10 just over halfway through the period. From there, the Running Eagles did not trail for the remainder of the quarter and took a 18-16 lead into to the final 10 minutes of the half.
 
The second quarter was all Patriots, as they quickly took the lead to stay at 22-21. They proceed to go on a 10-0 run and took a 31-21 lead. They closed out the half with their largest margin of the game at 41-27.
 
Not much changed in the second half, as UC controlled the pace and the lead for the entire half. Life U was able to cut the lead to within two possessions at 51-47 at the end of the third quarter, but that would be as close as they would get. The Patriots eventually took a 73-61 victory.
 
The Running Eagles will return home on Thursday, Jan. 11 as they welcome Georgetown to the Eagles' Nest.