2007-2008 Season Wrap-Up

2006-2007 Wrap-Up
2005-2006 Wrap-Up
2004-2005 Season Wrap-Up

When the 2007-2008 University of the Cumberlands Patriot Men's basketball team showed up to that first day of conditioning in October, they had no way of knowing what was in store for them this past season. How could they know that come March, three of their current team members would be gone while two others would be joining them? They may have hoped, but did they know, that they would find themselves among the Cumberlands elite, where only four groups of Patriot basketball players have ever been?

The Patriots opened their season with an exhibition game against the NCAA Bulldogs of Mississippi State, falling 71-60. They then lost their first regular season game 79-62 to the Cougars of Mountain State, a team that would be ranked number one for over half of the season. After a less than desirable start to the season, the Patriots entered the King Classic hoping to turn things around. They fell to Milligan College, 80-73, but were able to pull out their first win against the hosting Tornadoes of King College.

The Patriots continued to struggle to achieve and maintain a winning record until midway through January. At Christmas, Cumberlands welcomed to their roster two transfers with great promise. After a couple of early games in which the new line-up began to gel, the Patriots went on a three game winning streak prior to entering Mid-South Conference action. The streak continued with wins over Lindsey Wilson and West Virginia Tech, however, it came to an abrupt end as the then undefeated Tigers of Georgetown College came into the O. Wayne Rollins Center and handed the Patriots their first MSC loss. After a rough loss to Campbellsville, the Patriots returned to the winner's circle with four straight wins. Again, their streak was ended by the #1 Georgetown Tigers.

With an overall MSC record of 6-4, Cumberlands earned a second place finish in MSC play and a bye into the second round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament. Unfortunately, the third time was not the charm for the Patriots as they tipped off against Georgetown in the championship game after having defeated Campbellsville 73-63 in tournament play, as they fell 59-73.

Despite the rough start to the season, the solid finish by the Patriots earned them thier18th trip to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championship Tournament in Kansas City.

In the first round of the NAIA Tournament, Cumberlands upset the Warriors of Lewis-Clark State College 75-62 to advance to tip-off against Lee University. Unfortunately, the Patriots' season came to an end as they were unable to hold on to a half-time lead and fell 84-72, ending with an overall record of 20-14.

While there were many struggles this season, there were many successes as well. The Patriots found themselves in the national rankings six times throughout the season, ending the season tied for nineteenth after being ranked as high as 18th during the season. The Patriots also led the Mid-South Conference in three-point percentage for the majority of the season, ending at 38.3%. Individually, there were many standouts that contributed to the team's success. There were three members who earned First Team All-Conference honors including: Luke Fitzgerald, Mike Gibson, and Chad Byron. Luke Fitzgerald also earned a spot on the NAIA’s All-American Third Team as well as being named regular season Player of the Week three times. Mike Gibson also earned regular season Player of the Week honors along with Josh Phillips.

The Patriots will be graduating three seniors this season in Mike Gibson, Leslie Delk, and Jason Smith. Yet, they hope to return next season with quite a bit of experience under their belts and a heightened sense of intensity towards achieving another trip to the Big Dance.