Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team struggled to overcome a 7-for-26 first-half shooting performance Thursday night, as they suffered a 78-65 loss on the road at Harris-Stowe State University.

Despite the loss, the Lions (0-2, 0-1 AMC) received solid contribution from Senior leader Marcus Baldwin, who led the charge with 16 points and 11 rebounds, including a 2-for-6 clip from behind the arc.

Freshman Kortland Martin also stepped up for the Lions, as he went 6-for-9 from the field and ended the night with 14 points while Jahmeel Watts chipped in nine points and pulled down eight rebounds in the loss.

Dwane Miner led Harris-Stowe (2-3, 1-0 AMC) on the offensive end with 22 points, 16 of which came in the first half. Three other Hornet players reached double digits in the match-up, as Deandre Clark and Christian Wimbley each put up 15 points while Corey Wells chipped in 10 points.

The Lions struggled to get anything to fall in the first half, as they shot just 27 percent and carried a double digit deficit into the break at the 43-20 mark. The Hornets, on the other hand seemed to have no trouble finding the bottom of the net, as they shot 50 percent from the field, led by Dwane Miner, who dropped 16 points in the opening stanza.

The Lions attempted to recover from their first half shooting woes in the second half, as they were able to cut the Hornet lead to seven points at the 66-59 mark with 2:50 remaining in regulation. However, seven points would be as close as FHU would get, as Harris-Stowe came away with the 78-65 victory.

With the loss, the Lions fall to 0-2 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. Harris-Stowe State University improves to 2-3 on the season and 1-0 in AMC play with the win.

UP NEXT: The Lions continue their road trip Saturday, as they pay a visit to Lindenwood University-Belleville. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 PM in Belleville, Ill.