NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Life U 76, Brewton-Parker 70
Records: Life U 7-0 (2-0 SSAC); Brewton-Parker 6-1 (1-1 SSAC)

MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team stayed perfect on the season Saturday afternoon, grinding out a hard-fought 76–70 victory over Brewton-Parker inside the Eagles' Nest to secure its second SSAC win of the year.

Brewton-Parker opened the game with early energy, keeping the margin tight through the opening minutes. The Barons briefly led 2–0, but a three from Srdjan Popovic on Life U's first made basket quickly swung momentum back. The Running Eagles then hit a series of long-range shots—including three early triples from Calvin Payton—to establish their rhythm on the offensive end.

Life U steadily built its lead throughout the half behind efficient three-point shooting and strong composure on the glass. A late surge pushed the advantage to double digits, capped by a dominant stretch that produced the Running Eagles' largest lead of the afternoon at 12 points with 2:10 remaining in the first. Life U entered the break up 39–30.

Out of halftime, Brewton-Parker mounted several pushes, cutting the deficit multiple times behind the play of Tommy Tisdale and Gil Gonzalez. But each time the Barons surged, Life U answered. Strong interior scoring from Shane Stevensen and key free throws from Popovic steadied the Running Eagles as the half unfolded.

Brewton-Parker trimmed the margin to as little as five in the final minutes, but tough defense and timely boards from Maurice Wright and Josh Baugher kept Life U in control. The Running Eagles closed things out at the free-throw line, sealing the 76–70 victory to remain unbeaten.

TURNING POINT:

— A 12–3 Life U run late in the first half pushed the lead to double digits, giving the Running Eagles the cushion they needed to control the remainder of the contest.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

— Life U led 39–30 at halftime behind seven made threes and 11 first-half assists.
— The Running Eagles outrebounded Brewton-Parker 42–38.
— Life U converted 20-of-26 from the free-throw line.
— The defense produced six steals and three blocks, while the offense distributed the ball well with 14 assists.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

— Calvin Payton: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
— Shane Stevensen: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
— Srdjan Popovic: 12 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds
— Maurice Wright: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
— Josh Baugher: 7 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block