MARIETTA, Ga. – Life University (11-19, 1-13 MSC) came up short on Senior Day against No. 1 Shawnee State (27-3, 14-0 MSC) in a 77-62 decision.
 
"I'm extremely proud of this group for the way we played today," Head Coach Anthony Maxwell said. "We played with great energy and effort for 40 minutes! However, we missed 15 free throws in a game that was two possessions from tied within last three mins. Once again, this shows us how good of a team we can really be if we bring this effort every night. I'm not mad at all with this one though!"
 
Two Running Eagles finished in double figures in the game. Sophomore Lucy Stone paced the squad with 19 points as well as three rebounds, two steals and a block. Sophomore Kayla Kelly put up 10 points with three rebounds. In her final game in the Eagles' Nest, senior Kennesha Nichols posted nine points, 15 rebounds, a career-high five blocks, four assists and two rebounds.
 
Even though Shawnee State never trailed in the game, it was an extremely close game throughout. Life U stayed in within a single possession for the majority of the first quarter, the Bears were able to push out to two possessions and took a 19-10 lead into the second quarter. SSU took its first double-digit lead early in the second period at 21-10. However, the Running Eagles once again reigned in the lead to a single point at 30-29 with just over three minutes left in the half. They were never able to capitalize take the lead as Shawnee State took a 33-29 lead into the break.
 
The second half was more of the same, with Life staying within a single possession of the lead for most of the third quarter. The Bears led 52-45 headed into the 10 minutes of the game. SSU bucked the trend of the game in the final quarter as they began to pull away from Life U. They pushed out to their largest lead of the game at 48-64 four minutes into the period. The Bears eventually won the game 77-62.
 
With the regular season complete, Life U will turn their attention to the Mid-South Conference Tournament in Pikeville, Ky. where they will face Shawnee State on Thursday, March 1 in the opening game of the tournament.