MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team squeezed out a win in a heavily contested 78-76 SSAC win over Blue Mountain Christian University.

Led in scoring by Devin Story, the Running Eagles held a lead the majority of the game before Blue Mountain would make the game close behind stellar shooting from behind the arc.

In the first half, the Running Eagles controlled the scoring early as Elias Ramirez got hot with less than 10 minutes in the half knocking down 3-4 from behind the three point line to push the Life U lead to the largest of the half, 25-14. Despite the stellar shooting, the Toppers hung in the contest turning missed baskets and turnovers into transition buckets to take a one point lead into halftime 37-36.

In the final 20 minutes of play, the Running Eagles were again able to create initial separation with Dara Olonade's layup at the 15-minute mark pushing the lead again to double digits, 51-40. The Toppers would respond with free throws at the other end before impressive ball movement and a pair of slipped screens and precise passing awarded Will Freeman with two assists and Olonade with a pair of dunks, 55-42.

The Toppers chipped away at the lead over the remaining 13 minutes, bringing the contest to a one possession ballgame with five minutes to go.  The two teams traded blows with Showmick Shajahan and Story finding the distance with 3-ptrs.  With just one minute remaining the Running Eagles found themselves with the ball and a one point lead. A missed layup was offensively rebounded by Ward, finding Story who had the hot hand all afternoon, driving to the basket to provide Life U a much-needed three point lead.

On the other end, the Toppers went on to respond with a layup. Ward then split the free throws to keep a two point lead, 78-76, then the Running Eagles closed out the contest.

Up next, the Running Eagles take a quick break for Thanksgiving before returning to the court to face Tougaloo and Fisk this upcoming weekend.