COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College men's basketball team faltered down the stretch and No. 13-ranked University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) held on for the 74-69 victory tonight at Biggers Sports Center.

After Lindsey Wilson (19-5, 5-3 in the Mid-South Conference) sprinted out to a 46-37 lead in the first five minutes of the second half, the University of the Cumberlands (20-6, 6-3) caught fire in the final 15 minutes outscoring Lindsey Wilson 33-19.

Patriot junior guard Chad Byron led the charge with 10 of his game-high 18 points in the final 11 minutes leading Cumberlands to the 74-69 victory.

Despite Byron's heroics, the Blue Raiders had their opportunities to tie the game down the stretch.

Down 72-69, Lindsey Wilson junior reserve Ismar Neto felt contact on the left wing and let fly an errant three-point attempt that fell well short of its target. A Byron rebound and two subsequent free throws sealed the win.

Cumberlands senior forward Luke Fitzgerald scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half to keep the game within reach.

No. 17-ranked Blue Raiders led by as many as six (25-19) in the opening half, but could never shake the visitors. Lindsey Wilson led 34-32 at the half.

Lindsey Wilson once again tried to run away from the Patriots in the early stages of the second half before Cumberlands grabbed control of the game en route to the win.

Cumberlands out-rebounded Lindsey Wilson 32-24 and out-shot the Blue Raiders connecting on 54.8 percent (23-of-42) of its shots while Lindsey Wilson shot 50 percent (25-of-50) for the game.

The Patriots also made 25-of-39 free throws compared to Lindsey Wilson's 15-of-20.

Lindsey Wilson junior guard Eric McPherson scored a team-high 16 points and junior forward Andrija Tintor added 13 points. Cumberlands senior guard Terrance Asmond joined Byron and Fitzgerald in double figures with 16 points.