The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Men's Basketball team defeated all odds this weekend in Frankfort, defeating the #2 seeded Georgetown College Tigers 60-54, winning the Mid-South Conference (MSC) championship on Sunday.  Winning the tournament twice now in the past 4 seasons, the Patriots proved to the Conference to never count out the underdogs, as they not only defeated Georgetown, but upset the #1 seed Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders in semi-final action.  

The Patriots established a lead right off the bat over the Tigers, never looking back.  The Patriots jumped out of the gate leading the Tigers early 19-11, and held on strongly at halftime with a 32-23 lead.  With superior ball movement and stellar post-present defense in the second half, the Patriots not only out-rebounded the Tigers, but they held the Tigers to 0 for 8 from the three point line and 29% on the night.  Although the Tigers shot a higher percentage from the field, the Patriots owned the free throw line entirely, shooting a solid 70% to Georgetown's 36%.

Leading the Patriots on the evening was senior All-Conference guard Matt Daniel (Morehead, KY), who scored 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in all 40 minutes of play.  Benito Santiago, Jr. (Coamo, Puerto Rico) and Steve Goins (Chicago, IL) added 9 points apiece as well. 

The Patriots worked their way to the MSC Championship by beating the defending NAIA National Champion Pikeville Bears in the quarterfinals on Friday 68-50.  After that grueling game, the Patriots upended the 2011-2012 MSC regular season Champion and NAIA #9 Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders 56-45.  The Patriots were the only MSC team to defeat the Blue Raiders in both regular season meetings this season, completing the three game sweep on Saturday.

With the win on Sunday, the Patriots have won 3 MSC tournament titles; head Coach Donnie Butcher winning his second in his 12^thseason.  The Patriots have claimed the automatic bid into the NAIA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament in Kansas City beginning on March 14^th, and look to continue their success as they are playing their best team basketball on the season.

For more information on the Patriots Men's Basketball program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.