By Luka Filipovic

HENDERSON, Tenn. – Freed-Hardeman men's basketball team (2-2) fell 78-75 to Faulkner (3-1) on Saturday to close out their Christian College Classic.

The game started slow, but the Eagles were able to an early 7-0 lead over the Lions. FHU was able to get on the board a little over five minutes into the contest thanks to a successful three-point shot from Kortland Martin. He single-handedly put the Lions on an 11-3 run to give them their first lead of the contest, and they were able to take a 42-36 lead into the break after the senior scored 19 first-half points.  

Freshman forward Alex Rush opened second half with a hook shot to expand the lead, but the Eagles scored back-to-back points to close the gap. The two teams exchanged points, keeping the game close, and Faulkner tied the score for the first time with 13:30 on the clock with a three-pointer from Daniel Garmendia.

The two teams kept passing the lead to each other from that point on, by making plays on both ends of the court, but the Lions were able to regain the lead with just under five minutes to play after a Zach Baugher's and-one and a completed free-throw.

The Eagles were able to rally late and hold on to a three-point lead with 15 seconds remaining. The Lions had two good looks from deep to tie the game, but neither found the bottom of the net, and the Eagles were able to take the win.

Martin led all scorers in the contest with 23 points, shooting 45 percent from behind the 3-point line. Alex Rush followed with 11 off the bench, and Zach Baugher finished the game with 10.

The Lions will open up Mid-South Conference play on Thursday when they host Cumberland University. Game time is set for 8 p.m.