MARIETTA, Ga. – Life University (10-16, 1-10 MSC) dropped a 71-53 decision to Cumberland (17-9, 6-5 MSC) on Thursday.
 
"We just didn't have the energy tonight," Head Coach Anthony Maxwell said. "When our energy is low, we struggle. We didn't finish plays when we had opportunities. Cumberland is good team, and against good teams each possession counts."
 
Two Running Eagles finished in double figures in the game. Freshman Diamond Atkins paced the squad with 11 points and three rebounds. Redshirt Freshman Shikiya Brown put up 10 points with two rebounds and an assist. Senior Kennesha Nichols contributed 10 rebounds, five points two assists, two steals and a block.
 
Life U never led in the game, and fell behind early as Cumberland opened on an 8-3 run. They closed out the first quarter with a 18-12 lead. The Phoenix took their first double digit lead at 25-14 just over three minutes into the second quarter. They began to pull away with a 34-18 lead as the half expired.
 
After the break, CU continued their dominance as the roll to their largest lead of the game at 39-18. Life U was able to trim the lead under double digits for a brief moment at 39-30. However, the Phoenix answered back and took a 51-38 lead into the final 10 minutes. In the fourth quarter, they were able to hold off the Running Eagles and cruised to a 71-53 victory.
 
Life U will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 17 as they play host to No. 10 Lindsey Wilson.