MARIETTA, Ga. --- The Life University men's basketball team came into the night with a depleted roster but played visiting UT-Southern tight through the first 30 minutes of play, falling 66-52 Monday night in Mid-South Conference play in the Eagles Nest.
 
Life U (4-8, 1-6 MSC) came roaring out of the gates against UT-Southern (12-4, 7-1 MSC), jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead by the 16:09 mark. Nathan Presnell provided half the points over the run, scoring four of his eight first half points. Five straight points from first half score leader Chris Barnes saw Life U's lead jump into double digits where the differential stayed until the Firehawks pushed their way back into the game, cutting the lead to only three points, 30-27, by the break.
 
The teams fought back and forth through the opening minutes of the second half, UT-Southern tying the game for the first time, 33-33, at the 17:10 mark. The Firehawks took the lead on the next possession, splashing in a deep ball after a Running Eagles turnover. After losing the advantage, Life U was never able to get back on top, UT-Southern slowly pulling away as the Running Eagle offense stalled out. Despite falling behind C. Barnes' heroic performance continued in the second, scoring 10 of the team's first 14 points as the deficit sat at 54-44 with 5:40 to play. The team's held pace the rest of the way Life U falling 66-52.
 
On the game, C. Barnes recorded his fifth-straight game of 19 or more points, acting as the lone bright spot of what was otherwise a forgettable night for a Running Eagles' offense that was playing shorthanded due to illness. C. Barnes came just short of a double-double, recording a game-high in both points, 21, and rebounds, 9, to go with a pair of assists.
 
Both teams shot decently from the floor, UT-Southern holding a slight edge at 42.3% (22-for-52) compared to Life U's 40.8% (20-for-49), but neither team shot well from deep the Running Eagles only making one of their 12 attempted while the Firehawks hit on three of 15. The main difference in the game came via turnovers, Life U committing 22 which translated to 24 UT-Southern points.
 
The Running Eagles hit the road for the next couple weeks in conference play, starting with a contest at No. 21 Georgetown College Thursday, January 13 at 8 PM.