Lady Dawgs hold off Brescia rally

Getting in a post-Christmas game under their belts before TranSouth Conference play begins next week, Cumberland's 13th-ranked women held off a Brescia comeback before prevailing 72-59 Friday night at the Dallas Floyd Center.
Cumberland led 40-33 at halftime and opened a 56-39 margin with about 12 minutes to play before Coach Clint Mason began substituting.
"We got a little complacent with our lead," Mason said after the Lady Bulldogs improved to 10-1. "We were taking quick shots and not being patient on offense. Our defensive intensity wasn't there."
Brescia, coming off wins over Campbellsville and Berry before Christmas, battled to within six before the Lady Bearcats fell to 8-10.
"It was good for us to play before conferece play begins," said Mason, whose Lady Bulldogs host Union in the TSC opener at 6 p.m. next Thursday at the Floyd Center. "Even though they are 8-10, they were not a cupcake team. They made us a better club tonight."
Kiana Robinson (four assists) and Renae Williams threw in three 3-pointers apiece as they both scored 17 points for Cumberland while C'Kala Humes had 16. Ashley Cross supplied seven points while Kristin Kirkland collected six, Tomika Hall four (with 11 rebounds), Kari Maddox and Mariel Ruis two each and Ewa Bukowska a free throw.
Danielle Jenkins totaled 21 points and 12 rebounds for Brescia while Jennifer Bearzatto threw in 13.
"We took it to them early," Mason said. "Our kids did a good job out of the 2-3 zone because they didn't shoot well against it."