Jeremy Wright, Sports Information Intern

HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team (10-6, 5-5 MSC) fell to No. 16 Martin Methodist (11-5, 7-5 MSC) 83-72 on Monday night.

To start the game, both teams struggled to find rhythm early. With 15 minutes to go in the first half, the Lions would hold a 9-4 lead. The Redhawks would take their first lead of the game midway through the half at 14-13.

The teams would then trade baskets until the Redhawks – after trailing 18-17 – would go on a 9-0 run to gain momentum in the game. The Lions would tie the contest at 33 with under a minute to go in the half, but a late score from deep gave the Redhawks a 36-33 halftime lead.

The Lions would come out with new energy to start the second half when they went on a 5-0 run to take a two-point lead. The Redhawks would respond, getting hot from deep and connecting from long range on three consecutive possessions. The Lions would keep pace, as the Redhawks had no answer for Kortland Martin and the team's offense.

Martin Methodist gained some separation, building a six-point lead mid-way through the second half. The Lions would again respond and tie the game at 51. Another scoring barrage from the Redhawks and key defensive stops would put the game out of reach.

The Lions were led in scoring by Martin, who had a season-high 35 points on 13-of-16 shooting from the field.

The team will be back in action on Thursday for the second of two meetings against in-state rival Cumberland. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Brewer Sports Center.