WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — A late push from the opposition had the No. 2 Freed-Hardeman Lions fall to the (RV) University of the Cumberlands Patriots 78-75.

The Lions (16-2, 1-1 MSC) started fast with Makai Vassell and Ryley McClaran teaming up to score the first eight points for FHU. DJ McIntyre's jumper at 14:13 gave the Lions their largest lead of the half at eight before the Patriots scored nine unanswered points to take a one-point lead. Sam Powell had a strong push late in the frame including the lone 3-pointer in the frame for the Lions at 6:30. The Lions could only hold a one-possession lead for the majority of the half until Geraldo Lane and Peyton Law ended the half with six unanswered points to take a 40-34 lead into the break.

The Lions came out cold in the second half, going 1-9 in the first 3:42. Law's 3-pointer helped break the dry spell, but the Patriots (13-4, 2-0 MSC) were holding their own with 3-pointers and free throws. Phil Horton joined Powell with a 7-0 run to take the Lions' largest lead of the game at eight. The Patriots took their first lead with a free throw at 10:31, eventually jumping out to a 63-57 lead. Vassell and McClaran joined forced again with the latter's 3-pointer tying the game 63-63. The Patriots would create separation with an 8-0 run to keep the Lions at bay the rest of the match until the 78-75 final.

The split stats show as even as a matchup as could be with both teams shooting 43% from the floor The Lions had 37 rebounds with the Patriots grabbing 36. 

It was a balanced effort for the Lions with five different players in double figures. Makai Vassell led the way with 14 points while three Lions: Phil Horton, Jayson Nixon, and Sam Powell each scoring 11 points while Geraldo Lane tallied 10. Peyton Law led at the glass with 10 rebounds.
 

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