March 15, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - Third-seeded Cumberland University (Tenn.) finished the first half with a 13-2 run to take a 35-29 halftime lead, then held off a second-half rally from sixth-seeded Oklahoma Baptist for a 72-58 opening-round victory that kicked off the second day of first-round action at the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

Oklahoma Baptist used a 12-4 run at the beginning of the second half to cut the deficit to 8 points. After Cumberland extended the lead back to 13 points, Dilenny Castillo's three-pointer with 13:32 remaining in the game sparked a 12-2 run that brought Oklahoma Baptist to within three points at 48-45 with 9:31 to play. Cumberland responded with a 15-4 run over the next four minutes to push the lead back into double-digits for good at 63-49 with 4:52 left.

Isabelli Cunico came off the bench to lead all scorers with 20 points, while Kari Maddox contributed 10 points off the bench for Cumberland, as well. Cunico and Maddox each pulled down seven rebounds.

Betsy Simmons recorded a double-double to lead Oklahoma Baptist, tallying 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Castillo finished with 15 points. Jennifer Jupin added 14 points and six rebounds for the Bison.

With the win, Cumberland improves to 24-7 overall and advances to tomorrow's second round, where it will face Lewis-Clark State at 12:30 p.m. Oklahoma Baptist finishes the season 17-13.