Phoenix Pull Away Late as Royals Fall at Home

KNOXVILLE, TN– The Johnson University women's basketball team battled through four quarters but ultimately fell to Cumberland University, 95–61, in a nonconference matchup Tuesday night at home on December 30.

Cumberland set the tone early, jumping out to a 22–11 lead after the first quarter and carrying a 48–28 advantage into halftime. The Phoenix continued to apply pressure offensively, shooting efficiently throughout the night and capitalizing at the free-throw line to maintain control of the game.

The Royals showed resilience coming out of the break, putting together their best offensive quarter in the third period, highlighted by strong interior play from Shamiya Francis, who finished a perfect 7-for-7 from the field on her way to a team-high 14 points. Jordan Heifner added 11 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, while Emery Tollett filled the stat sheet with 10 points and a game-high nine assists.

Off the bench, Liv Bolduc provided a spark with 10 points, including two three-pointers, as Johnson looked to cut into the deficit. The Royals won the rebounding battle on the offensive glass with 12 boards, led by Megan Biliter, who pulled down seven rebounds to go along with eight points.

Cumberland, however, proved too much offensively. Braley Bushman poured in a game-high 28 points, while Emaleigh Tarpley added 24, as the Phoenix shot 54.5 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. Cumberland also converted 25 of 29 free throws, helping them pull away in the fourth quarter.

Johnson finished the game shooting 35.1 percent from the field and 24.1 percent from three-point range. Despite the final score, the Royals showed continued growth and competitiveness against a strong Cumberland squad.