Cumberland, Tenn. – The Lindsey Wilson men's basketball team battled back and forth but fell just short in a 71-69 loss to Cumberland University on Saturday afternoon at Dallas Floyd Arena.

The Blue Raiders (15-7, 4-3 Mid-South Conference) kept pace throughout the game, shooting 45 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. Kenyata Carbon led the way with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Olson Nicholson added 12 points, making all six of his free throws. Mihail Gavazov scored 10 points, DJ Gordon contributed nine, and Latrell Kyles added six points and seven rebounds. 

Lindsey Wilson held the lead at multiple points in the first half, highlighted by Carbon and Nicholson scoring in the paint and a 3-pointer from Esteban Oliveras to push the Blue Raiders up 22-16. Cumberland (Tenn.) responded with a late Abner three, sending the visitors into halftime with a narrow 34-33 lead.

The second half saw continued back-and-forth action. Lindsey Wilson regained the lead with clutch baskets from Carbon, Gavazov, and Cunningham, tying the game at 67-67 late. But Cumberland's Jordan Jenkins converted a key layup in the final second to seal the 71-69 win.

The Blue Raiders will hit the road on Monday, February 2, to face 18th ranked Georgetown College (Ky.) at 6:30 p.m. CT in MSC. Lindsey Wilson will rely on Carbon, Nicholson, and Gavazov to help secure a rebound victory against a nationally ranked opponent.