MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team earned a win against Tougaloo Saturday afternoon, besting the Bulldogs 85-80 after an impressive second half comeback.

In the first half, the Running Eagles shot a lackluster 40% from the field to begin the contest in a hole. Trailing by as many as eight, Tougaloo carried a 37-29 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half of play, the Bulldogs initially grew their lead to a seemingly insurmountable 46-32 lead before Life U, fueled by sophomore standout Joshua Ward, clawed back into the game.

Fueled by a 10-0 run midway through the half, a pair of layups, an Elias Ramirez 3-ptr. and a pair of Srdjan Popovich free throws cut the deficit to a manageable 51-46 deficit with just under 13 minutes to play. The two teams continued tSaveo trade baskets until Life U claimed its first lead since the 5:11 mark of the first half, 62-61.

Once the Running Eagles took the lead with a Popovich basket from behind the arc, they never trailed again, controlling the final six and a half minutes by growing the lead to as many eight before closing the contest with a 85-80 win.

Individually, Joshua Ward turned in an impressive 24 point performance, scoring all 24 of his points in the second half of the contest on 8-8 from the field. Elias Ramirez continued his sharp-shooting Saturday, knocking in 19 points to go along with six rebounds.   

Up next, the Running Eagles will look to clean up the offensive glass and close out their Thanksgiving Classic appearance with a win over Fisk, tomorrow at 3 pm et.