THOMASVILLE, Ga. –   The Thomas University men's basketball team's upset-minded momentum was haltered this afternoon losing 58-56 in a close battle with Sun Conference rival Ave Maria (Fla.).
 
The first half began with a slow, methodic tempo where both teams scored a combined 13 points in the first five and half minutes.  The Night Hawks, who led 28-23 heading into the break, struggled on offense shooting a mere 9-for-25 (36%) from the field and 4-for-12 (33.3%) from behind the arch.  Even though the struggle was present, the Hunter Green and White kept tight on defense forcing six Gyrene turnovers in the opening frame.
 
After the intermission, Ave Maria charged out with a 7-0 run capped by a three-pointer by Brandon Dean to put the Gyrenes in front 30-28. After a temporary lead by the Night Hawks, Ave Maria bounced back to regain the 33-31 lead with a deep three from the corner by Exor Torres hit a try to retake with 15:30 remaining in regulation.
 
The second half featured four ties and 10 lead changes, but none more significant than Ave Maria's 54-52 lead off of three by Dean with 2:18 left on the clock.  The Gyrenes held the lead the final two minutes of the half en route to their 58-56 upset over the Night Hawks.

"We did not shoot the basketball well [tonight]," stated head coach Stephen Cox.  "We knew going in they were going to be in zone [defense]. While our guys did force some turnovers, we got beat on the boards. We have a tough road stretch next week that we have to be ready for."
 
Thomas, who is coming off a week that featured two upset wins over No. 2 and previously undefeated Embry-Riddle and No. 20 Northwood, drops to 13-6, 4-5 in TSC play, while Ave Maria improves to 9-11, 2-7 on the year.

The Hunter Green and White had three in double figures.  Sophomore Adonai Rogers led the way for the Night Hawks scoring 17 points while bring down five boards.  Senior guard Max Grace added 12 points in the loss while Alan Love picked up his fourth double-double of the season scoring 10 and bring down 10 boards.  Grace also had a game high of three assists.
 
The Night Hawks return to action on Thursday, Jan. 29 when they travel to Miami Gardens, Fla., to face off with Sun Conference rival Florida Memorial University (Fla.).  Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m.

For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU men's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMBKB.