Henderson, Tenn– In heartbreaking fashion, the Freed-Hardeman Lions men's basketball team lost 88-94 Saturday night to the Shawnee State Bears.

The first half was dominated by high-octane offenses, with both teams shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three. The Lions (16-11, 11-9 MSC) were able to force 6 turnovers in the first half and get out in transition, resulting in 19 points off turnovers, allowing them to better dictate the pace of the game. 

The second half was more about the Bears (14-13, 8-12 MSC) asserting their will on the boards, finishing the game +22. The difference on the glass also allowed Shawnee State to create more second chance opportunities and keep Freed-Hardeman in the half-court. Despite the difference, the Lions led for most of the half and even led by as many as eight with just over four minutes remaining. Shawnee State, behind 26 points from Miles Thomas, finished the game on a 17-3  run, winning by a score of 94-88.

Despite the loss, the Lions had a solid team performance with five players finishing in double-figures. Leading scorer Kortland Martin put up 17, Ryley McClaran with 16, Wanya King with 15, Hunter Scurlock with 13 and Geraldo Lane with 10.

Up Next: Entering the final week of the regular season, the Lions will look to rebound as they return home Thursday night to take on the Pikeville Bears at 8PM.