WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (December 18, 2023) - The St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Basketball team took down #15 Cumberlands (Ky.) at the West Palm Invitational Monday night. The Bobcats defeated the nationally ranked Patriots 78-76 in a close match up. 

In the first quarter, the Bobcats took charge, led by Ra'Nae Tumblin who notched 7 points in quarter one. Bria Brown was not far behind, recording 5 points in quarter one. The Bobcats went 75.0% from beyond the arc and did not allow the Patriots to notch a single three-pointer in the first quarter. St. Thomas held a 5-point lead against Cumberlands as they entered the second quarter. 

The Patriots outscored the Bobcats in quarter two, but the gap remained narrow. Camilla Flefil entered the game and picked up 8 points for the Bobcats. Paige McDonald also played a crucial role in the Bobcats success, notching 5 points in the second quarter. As the clock ran out, the score was 41-43 in favor of the Patriots. 

The Bobcats came out of the intermission determined to win. McDonald picked up 6 more points in quarter three, contributing to her total of 19 points. Brooke Bogatz also recorded 2 assists in the third, adding to her game total of 9. St. Thomas outscored the Patriots by 3 points, leading 54-53 as they entered the final quarter. 

The fight was not yet done. Bogatz had a standout performance in quarter four, going 4-4 in field goals, finishing the quarter with 11 points. McDonald added another 6 points to her total while Brown notched another 5. The Bobcats ultimately outscored the Patriots 24-23 in the fourth quarter, defeating them in a 78-76 point win. This upset win brings the Bobcats record to 8-2. 

Up next the Bobcats will participate in the 2023 Cruzin' Classic where they will face Midland University and Dakota Wesleyan at the Fernandez Family Center. They will first take on Midland University on Wednesday, December 20th at 5 p.m. The Bobcats will then take on Dakota Wesleyan on Thursday, December 21st at 4 p.m. 

-STU-