HENDERSON, TN — The Freed-Hardeman University Lions (10-7) lost a physical matchup against the Thomas More University Saints (15-2) in Brewer Sports Center today by a close scoreline of 79-70.

The two teams knew this game had postseason implications with the Saints coming into the game with just one loss in Mid-South Conference play. The Lions, a win above .500 in conference, needed to put up a fight against the conference powerhouse. The game promised to be a close contest from the tip off, as both teams traded baskets early. The half time score was indicative of the battle that was taking place, in which the Lions found themselves down by just seven points at 39-32. Lion guard, Kortland Martin, coming off of a game in which he surpassed the 2,000 point career scoring mark, seemed to have the ball on a string as he dashed between defenders with ease for 15 of the teams 32 in the first half. The Lions were attacking off the dribble early as the team recorded just three assists, two of which came by way of Freshman bigman Alex Rush.

The second half was a true game of runs, with an 11 point lead by Thomas More being shortened to just a one point lead as the Lions came roaring to life from the field with about ten minutes remaining in the game. The Lions fought hard defensively, but Ryan Battle of the Saints continued to charge his way into the paint to score 22 points in the second half, and 34 total. The Saints extended their lead to nine points over the Lions at the final horn.

Both teams played an incredible game on both sides of the ball, as Kortland Martin led the Lions with 27 points, followed by a true weapon off the bench in Dawson Bailey with 13. Hunter Scurlock and Wanya King rounded out the scoring with seven each. Bailey also grabbed seven of the team's 22 rebounds in the contest.

This game pushes the Lions to 5-5 in Mid-South Conference play, and Thomas More to 9-1. The Lions hope to rebound from this loss in a game Thursday at 8:00 in the Brewer Sports Center against Georgetown College.