Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team played solid in the first half Tuesday evening, but struggled to gain traction in the second half, as they fell 83-72 to Williams Baptist College at the Brewer Sports Center.

Despite the loss, the Lions (9-18, 6-13 AMC) received solid contribution from Freshman Kortland Martin, who led FHU on the attack with 23 points after going 8-for-13 from the field and an impressive 5-for-6 from behind the arc. Marcus Baldwin and Ehab Eltayeb also reached double digits in the match-up, as Baldwin fired in 12 points while Eltayeb chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Shackeel Butters led Williams Baptist (14-10, 10-9 AMC) on the offensive end with 22 points after shooting 10-for-15 from the field. Dominique Dyes followed close behind with 19 points while Marquez Chew rounded out the Eagles attack with 14 points.

The Lions shot 42 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc in the game compared to the Eagles, who shot 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from behind the arc. The Lions did win the battle on the glass in the match-up, as they out-rebounded the Eagles 47-36, led by Baldwin, who pulled down nine rebounds in the loss.

With the loss, the Lions fall to 9-18 on the season and 6-13 in conference play. Williams Baptist College improves to 14-10 on the season and 10-9 in AMC play with the win.

UP NEXT: The Lions are back in action Thursday, February 15th, as they host Missouri Baptist University for a 7:30 PM match-up at the Brewer Sports Center.