PORTSMOUTH, Ohio --- The Life University men's basketball team traveled to Shawnee State tonight for the Opening Round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament, looking to extend its season, but was unable to pull off the upset as the Running Eagles fell behind in the second half to lose 79-66.

Life U (9-20, 5-17) earned its only lead of the game in the contest's opening seconds, Chris Barnes hitting a quick jumper for the 2-0 lead. The Bears quickly asserted themselves, taking the lead as Life U found themselves behind by a double digit deficit less than five minutes into the game. The Running Eagles made a charge to get back into the game late in the half, Cam Horton hitting on back-to-back threes which were followed by a steal and score by Champ Dawson to pull within two at 34-32 with 2:51 to go in the first. Jame Leible connected on a jumper to tie the game in the following possession, but a pair of Shawnee State buckets saw the half end 38-34.

The second half went completely in the Bear's favor, Life U finding themselves in a greater than 20 point hole just minutes into the second. A three point play by Barnes with 11:51 to play cut the Bear's lead to 57-49, but that was as close as Life U would get. The Running Eagles never managed to put more pressure on the Bears, losing the game 79-66.

The scoring for the Running Eagles was led by Barnes and Horton, both contributing 14 points to the Life U effort. Horton's points came alongside four rebounds and three assists, while Barnes chipped in three boards himself.

Life U had a below average night shooting, only hitting 37.9% from the floor and 29.6% from deep, while the Bears hit on a strong percentage of 50.0% overall and 42.1% from behind the arc. The Running Eagles also fell behind in their presence in the paint, being outscored 42-29 and outrebounded 38-29.

Tonight's Mid-South Conference Opening Round loss spells the end of the 2021-22 season for the men's basketball team.