Second-half run sparks CU to opening win

Cumberland posted a 16-2 run highlighted by seven points from newcomer TaCouya Allen during an eight-minute stretch in the second half en route to a 65-41 victory over Lindenwood-Belleville in the season opener for the Lady Bulldogs on Sunday at the Dallas Floyd Recreation Center.

The Lady Bulldogs led 30-21 at the half despite shooting just 31 percent from the field, but CU’s defense was constant throughout, forcing 32 turnovers by the Lynx (0-2), which turned into 30 points for Cumberland.

Allen led the club with 13 points, 11 in the second half, while London Elie netted 12 points and Jessica Pace added 10. Another newcomer, Josette Campbell, paced the Bulldogs with six rebounds and Allen recorded five. Point guard Briannica Tye handed out three assists, posted five steals and scored nine points for CU as well.

Cumberland led only 14-10 at the 12:04 mark of the first half before a 12-4 run opened a double-digit lead the squad held for nearly the rest of the game. Simone Ryan hit a 3-pointer and added a bucket, Tye made a layup and Campbell finished the spurt with another trifecta.

Alex Capeles’ bucket ion the opening minute of the second half pulled LU-Belleville within 30-23, but Elie’s layup and putback pushed the advantage back to 11. The Lynx scored just one field goal from the 14:33 mark until an old-fashioned 3-point play from Capeles at 6:32. The junior paced the visitors with 16 points, the only Lynx player in double figures.

Elie made a layup and then 1-of-2 foul shots to begin the decisive spurt and Allen nailed a 3-pointer from the corner. Pace and Allen traded the next four baskets for CU before a short jumper by Ryan ended the run, giving the Bulldogs a 56-30 advantage.

Nine of the 13 Cumberland players who saw action scored, including freshman Calamity Jane Coley.

Cumberland will play again at 7 p.m. Saturday against Spring Hill at the Dallas Floyd Recreation Center.