Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - Despite holding a 20 point lead at the half, the Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball team could not finish things out Saturday afternoon, as they suffered a 68-65 loss to Columbia College at the Brewer Sports Center.

Despite the loss, the Lions (2-9, 0-5 AMC) received solid contribution from Silas Clark and John Musselwhite, as each fired in 15 points for FHU. Both players were solid from behind the arc in the match-up, as Musselwhite shot an impressive 3-for-6 from three-point land while Clark went 3-for-7. Francis Agbata rounded out the attack for FHU with 13 points after shooting an impressive 6-for-10 from the field and 1-for-1 from behind the arc.

Desmond Funches led the Cougars on the attack with 15 points while Braden Wendel followed close behind with 11 points of his own. Jalen Olds led Columbia on the glass with seven rebounds while also dishing out three assists in the win.

The Lions were firing on all cylinders in the first half, as they shot 50 percent from the field and 52 percent from behind the arc to take a commanding 45-25 lead entering the break. Musselwhite led the charge for FHU in the first half, as he fired in 13 of his 15 points in the opening stanza.

However, the Cougars would not stay down long, as they chipped away at the lead in the second half to eventually even things up at 54 apiece with 7:55 remaining in regulation. The Cougars took their first lead of the game moments later following a three-point field goal by Justin Shaw to give CC all the momentum. From there, the Cougars matched the Lions point for point to end regulation with the 68-65 victory.

With the loss, the Lions fall to 2-9 on the season and 0-5 in conference play. Columbia College moves to 6-5 on the season and 3-3 in AMC play with the win.

UP NEXT: The Lions are back in action Saturday, December 29th, as they take on No. 21 University of the Cumberlands for an 8:00 PM match-up in Williamsburg, Ky.

For all the latest information regarding the FHU Men's Basketball team, be sure to follow FHU Athletics on all our social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all @gofhulions