LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine University men's basketball team used a strong second half performance to record a 78-57 victory over the visiting University of the Cumberlands tonight in Knights Hall.
Led by junior guard
Jeremy Kendle, who scored 19 points on eight of 11 shooting, the Knights torched the nets for 67.7 percent shooting in the second half to help erase a four-point halftime deficit and run out to the 21-point victory.
"I'm very proud of the team's effort tonight," said Bellarmine Coach
Scott Davenport. "We're coming off a tough, tough week with four players with illness and injuries and (Cumberlands) is a very good team."
The Knights (6-4) had to face the Patriots, ranked No. 9 in NAIA, without starting forward and the team's leading rebounder,
Nick Holmes, who was nursing an injury.
Forrest Smallwood also was sidelined with an injury.
"I thought our second half defensive effort was very good, " Davenport said. "And that's what we're going to have to be about all year. Our offense was created by our defense tonight."
The game was a series of runs, with Bellarmine bolting out to a 10-1 lead over the first five minutes. The Patriots, however dug in and turned the game around to take a 30-26 halftime lead as the Knights struggled to find their shooting touch after starting strong.
After halftime, Cumberlands came out hot and extended their lead to eight at the 18:48 mark, prompting Davenport to take a timeout to adjust the team's defense. The Knights got the message, outscoring the Patriots 50-21 the rest of the way.
Kendle played a complete game not only leading the Knights in scoring but also leading the team in rebounding with eight, assists with four, blocked shots with three, and steals with two. Joining Kendle in double figure scoring for Bellarmine were
Luke Sprague, who tied a career high with 14, and
Justin Benedetti, who scored 11 second half points to finish with 13.
The Cumberlands (10-3) were led by Louisville native Chad Byron who scored 14 on six of 10 shooting.
Bellarmine takes the court next on Monday, Dec. 21 as the Knights face NCAA Division II foe Tusculum College at 7 p.m. in Knights Hall.
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