Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team mounted a late comeback on Saturday afternoon, but Blue Mountain's Ryan Sanders delivered the game-winning layup with under four seconds to play as the Running Eagles fell 76-74 at the Eagles' Nest.

In what proved to be a heavily contested and exciting matchup that featured 11 lead changes and 13 tying baskets, Life U's potential game-tying final possession fell just short with Mohamed Elgohary's buzzer-expiring jumper going just long off the back rim.

Freshman Joshua Ward led the Running Eagles with 21 points and six rebounds while adding four assists. He was joined in double figures by Elgohary, who delivered 12 points and eight boards and Dara Olonade who also added eleven points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Throughout the contest both teams struggled to create any separation as Blue Mountain's largest lead of the game was five (11:00 1st) while Life University's largest lead was eight and came in the second half (16:39).

After a contested first half, the second half was just as close with the exception of the opening run by the Running Eagles. To begin the final 20 minutes, Life U. raced out of the locker room, scoring eight of the first 11 points and building a 42-37 lead. However, Blue Mountain did not go away, retaking the lead just before the final 10 minutes of play.

The two teams battled over the next ten minutes with each team trading blow for blow throughout the closing stretch. A late tough running layup moved the Toppers ahead with just under four seconds to play. The Running Eagles then got the ball inbounds and advanced it into the front court to call one final timeout and draw up one final play.

With under two seconds on the clock, a long two from Elgohary rimmed out to end Life University's five-game winning streak.

Up next, the Running Eagles will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a Southern States game against Stillman next Thursday, Jan. 12.