NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 71, Faulkner 89
Records: Life U 14-6 (7-3 SSAC); Faulkner, (8-2 SSAC)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Life University men's basketball team fell in road action against the Eagles of Faulkner on Thursday night. The home squad jumped out to a massive lead in the first half and held the Running Eagles at bay for the remainder of the contest. 

The opening minutes featured competitive action as both the Running Eagles and Eagles traded buckets into the first media break. Faulkner held a narrow lead for the majority of the first half as Life U continued to fight hard to stay within striking distance. However, the Eagles found momentum late in the first, closing the half on an impressive 24-9 run. Life U trailed 44-27 heading into the break as Maurice Wright and Shane Stevensen both posted nine points in the first frame. Josh Baugher and Matija Gledic crashed the boards hard in the first, recording seven rebounds each.

Out of the half, Life U worked hard to cut into the lead. The Running Eagles eventually cut the lead down to single digits following a Calvin Payton three at 13:56 mark, but Faulkner immedietly pushed the lead back to double-digits on the next possession. Life U once again found life at the 06:53 when a Brashon Hall three pulled the team within five. However, the momentum was short lived as Faulkner posted nine-straight points and closed the contest on a 22-9 run to secure the victory.

TURNING POINT:
--Despite late momentum, Faulkner dominated the final minutes of the contest.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U struggled from beyond the arc in the first, shooting just 1-15 (6.7%).
--The Running Eagles dominated the glass, 40-28.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Shane Stevensen: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
--Matija Gledic: 13 points, 7 rebounds
--Maurice Wright: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
--Josh Baugher: 7 points, 10 rebounds

UP NEXT: 
--The Running Eagles remain on the road in SSAC action, taking on Mobile on Friday, Jan. 24.