THOMASVILLE, Ga. – After posting a 5-3 record in the first month of the season, the Thomas University men's basketball team has lost three consecutive games and will look to bounce back on Dec. 15 in Montgomery, Ala., versus Faulkner.
 
The Night Hawks seemed poised to take off after a 76-64 victory over Brewton-Parker that saw TU sweep the season series from the Barons, but a prolonged losing skid has head coach Brent Crews and company searching for answers.
 
Thomas has just four games remaining before the schedule exclusively switches to Sun Conference games, so taking advantage of non-conference opportunities to improve is vital.
 
The Night Hawks next opponent will provide a significant test, as Faulker is a veteran team capable of scoring in bunches and playing the toughest of opponents closely.
 
The Eagles gelled as a team down the stretch last season, winning 10 consecutive games before ultimately bowing out in the SSAC Tournament quarterfinals.
 
The team returned top scorer Nick Drake, a senior guard that has been impressive so far in his final campaign.  After averaging 14.6 points per game and shooting nearly 46-percent from the floor in 2014, Drake has improved in nearly every category.  The Eagles' senior leader currently averages 20 points per game, six more than any other Faulker player.  Additionally, Drake is shooting a sizzling 43-percent from distance.  His Achilles heel thus far has been free throws, as he's made just 66-percent (33/50) of his foul shots on the season.
 
Monta Sanford and Lucas Lutrell, a duo averaging 14 and 10.1 points per game, respectively, are second and third on the team in scoring.
 
The Eagles were proficient in both 3-point defense (30.3%) and 3-pointers made per game (8.42) a season ago, as the team ranked in the top 15 nationally in both categories.
 
That statistic will make perimeter play a key on Dec. 15.  Should the Night Hawks, who are shooting a paltry 24.9 percent from distance so far this season, receive a higher contribution from its shooters, the team will have a great opportunity to record a road win.
 
Tipoff versus Faulkner is set for 8:00 EST / 7:00 CST in Montgomery, Ala.
 
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.