LEBANON, TENN. — The Life University women's basketball team came up short in a tough road matchup Thursday night, losing 59-48 to Cumberland (TN) in a non-conference contest. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Running Eagles struggled offensively and were unable to overcome Cumberland's third-quarter surge.
The game was close early, with Life U trailing 11-9 after the first quarter. Dianis Hurtado and Aniyah Offutt provided early scoring, combining for eight points in the opening half. Cumberland held a 24-21 lead at halftime, powered by Kayla Gordon's eight points and a strong rebounding advantage.
In the third quarter, Cumberland extended their lead, outscoring Life 19-10. The Phoenix's Emaleigh Tarpley led the charge with 11 points in the period, including five made field goals. The Running Eagles attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, as Brianna Pope scored six points, and Brionna Sims added two free throws to bring the team within single digits. However, Cumberland's defense and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch secured the win.
Life U struggled offensively, shooting just 34.0% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range. The team also converted only 8 of their 13 free-throw attempts (61.5%). Hurtado led Life with 11 points and four rebounds, hitting three three-pointers. Sims contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four steals while Offutt added nine points and one assist.
Cumberland was led by Gordon, who finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Tarpley added 16 points and 10 rebounds, earning a double-double. Faith Colston contributed 10 rebounds and four assists while anchoring the defensive effort.
Cumberland outrebounded Life 50-26, including 18 offensive rebounds, which translated into 14 second-chance points. The Running Eagles' defense forced 19 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but couldn't capitalize enough on those opportunities, despite scoring 20 points off turnovers.
The loss drops Life University's record to 8-8 overall. The Running Eagles will look to bounce back as they return home to host UT Southern for a SSAC contest.
