WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The Lions (8-2, 3-1 MSC) dropped their first conference game of the season on Saturday when they fell 71-64 to No. 11 University of the Cumberlands (11-4, 5-4 MSC).

The offense struggled to get things going from the start, shooting just 32 percent from the field and only making one 3-pointer in the first half. The defense played strong, though, forcing the Patriots to turn the ball over 11 times in the opening 20 minutes, while only turning it over five times.

Despite trailing the entire half, John Musselwhite was able to knock down the lone deep ball of the period to make it 33-30 at the break.

The second half was much of the same, with the offense struggling to make shots, but forcing turnovers on defense. The Patriots speed and athleticism, though, was just too much for the Lions to overcome.

Jeremiah Alexander led the Lions in scoring with 14 points. Musselwhite finished the contest with 13 points, and Luka Filipovic scored 12.

The Lions will travel to Campbellsville on Monday for a make-up game that was postponed earlier in the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. central time.