COCHRAN, Ga. -- The Life University's men's basketball team earned a narrow 75-73 victory over Middle Georgia State Wednesday night in back-and-forth SSAC showdown. The tightly contested conference matchup was decided in the final moments, as the Running Eagles' defense helped secure the win in the closing seconds by forcing a tough three point attempt.

The game began with Life U jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead, highlighted by a three-pointer from Srdjan Popovich. Middle Georgia responded, and the first half was a back-and-forth affair, featuring six lead changes and two ties. Chaze Harris played a pivotal role early, contributing six points, while Cortez Johnson controlled the boards with seven rebounds before the break. By halftime, the teams were deadlocked at 32-32.

In the second half, the Running Eagles began to pull away, building an 11-point lead by the 9:23 mark, their largest of the game. Harris was instrumental, scoring 18 of his game-high 24 points in the second half. His efficient shooting (10-of-13 from the field) and playmaking (8 assists) kept Life ahead for much of the period. Johnson added six points and four rebounds after the break, finishing with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite jumping out to a double-digit lead, Middle Georgia did not go quietly, chipping away at Life U's lead in the final minutes. With less than a minute to play, the Knights had narrowed the gap to a single point. Tyreke Johnson then stepped up, hitting a critical three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining to give the Running Eagles a small cushion with a 75-71 lead. Middle Georgia then responded with a quick layup, but Life's defense forced a contested three-point attempt in the final seconds, which missed the mark, securing the Running Eagles' victory.

The Running Eagles shot 44.3% from the field and 23.3% from beyond the arc, converting 7 of their 30 three-point attempts. The Running Eagles were also efficient from the free-throw line, making 14 of 16 attempts (87.5%). Middle Georgia shot 40% from the field and 33.3% from three, going 6-for-18 from beyond the arc but struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 7 of 15 attempts (46.7%).

Life U also edged Middle Georgia in rebounding, 38-32, and scored 38 points in the paint compared to the Knight's 34. Despite committing 11 turnovers, Life limited Middle Georgia's fast-break opportunities and scored 12 points off the Knights' 8 turnovers.

The win improves the Running Eagles record to 9-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
Up next, the Running Eagles remain on the road facing Brewton-Parker in another SSAC contest this upcoming Friday.