HENDERSON, Tenn.– Despite battling the entire way, the Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team suffered a 73-63 loss Thursay afternoon to University of the Cumberlands on the road in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

The Patriots (11-5, 5-3 MSC) controlled most of what was a physical and fast-paced opening half, despite neither team shooting well from behind the arc. The Lions (9-6, 4-4 MSC) shot just 28 percent from three-point range compared to the Patriots, who shot just 22 percent from behind the arc. However, the story of the first half was both team's interior offense, with over half of each team's points coming in the paint.

A similar trend continued in the second half despite the Lions improving their three-point shooting percentage, shooting 41 percent from behind the arc. By the end of the game, the stat sheet was relatively even between both teams in terms of rebounds, assists, steals and free throw percentage. Similar to the first half, the major difference in the game was points allowed in the paint, with the Patriots besting the Lions by 18. 

Despite the loss, senior leader Kortland Martin had an incredible game for the Lions, as he finished with 25 points and 3 assists while shooting an impressive 50 percent from the field. Ryley McClaran and Alex Rush also put up solid numbers on the afternoon, as McClaran finished the day with 11 points while Rush added eight points of his own in the loss. 

UP NEXT: With the loss, the Lions have now lost three straight and will look to get back on track next Thursday, January 13th, as they host Shawnee State University at the Brewer Sports Center.