SEWANEE, Tenn. - The Birmingham-Southern men's basketball team trailed by as much as 18 at one point in the second half, but with 21 seconds remaining pulled within one. The comeback would fall short there as they could never tie or take the lead late and ultimately fell 79-74 for their first conference loss of the season.
The first half was dominated by Sewanee. The Tigers shot 62% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc. For the first part of the first half the teams traded baskets, with about 11 minutes left the Tigers found their groove and the Panthers did not have any answers. Sewanee proceeded to go on a 17-6 run to take a 12-point lead. The Panthers tried to claw their way back to a single-digit deficit, but could not. At the half they trailed 44-30.
The majority of the second half saw both teams trading baskets while Sewanee held a lead between 8 and 12 points for a large part of the second half. They extended that lead to 18 points with 5:58 remaining. Just when it looked like BSC was down and out, the Panthers offense came alive. BSC went on an 18-2 run to cut the Tiger lead to one point with 21 seconds left. On the 18-2 run the Panthers got contributions from five different players.
The Panthers then intentionally fouled Sewanee to stop the clock. After both free throws were made
Ju'Quan Williams missed a three-pointer to tie the game and Sewanee rebounded the ball. After two more free throws were made the Panthers trailed by five and ultimatley fell 79-74, suffering their first conference loss of the season.
Records
Birmingham-Southern 6-7 Overall (1-1 SAA), Sewanee 5-7 Overall (2-1 SAA)
News and notes
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Christian Stewart was one point shy of a 20 point, 20 rebound game.
> The 22 rebounds are a career-high for Stewart. It also sets the single-game mark for the program for rebounds in a game.
> The Panthers shot a season-low 32% from the field.
Up next
The Panthers will return home on Jan. 14 as they host conference opponent Hendrix. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. in Bill Battle Coliseum.
