AVE MARIA, Fla. – After winning three straight Sun Conference games, the Thomas University men's basketball team's streak was snapped tonight on the road as they lost to Ave Maria University 83-77.
 
The Gyrenes led the entire game and never looked back.  Thomas struggled from the tip falling into a 41-23 deficit heading into the break. 
 
While the Night Hawks did out score Ave Maria 54-42 in the second half, the effort what cut short down the stretch.  Time management became an issue for the Hunter Green and White as they were surging in their comeback effort.
 
AMU reached a lead height of 25, 61-39, with 8:24 remaining.  Down but not out, the Night Hawks forged ahead and slowly chipped away at the Gyrenes' lead.  Senior Rodney Sturkie consistently made perimeter jumpers and threes that brought the Night Hawks within four, 69-65, with 1:41 remaining on the clock.  While Thomas would keep pulling within two positions, AMU kept stretching the lead to seven or eight points in the final 90 seconds.  While the comeback was admirable, the Night Hawks fell 83-77 at the buzzer.
 
Sturkie had a career night for the Night Hawks scoring 22 points in the losing effort.  Sturkie made a single game, career high six three pointers of his nine attempts.  He also added four assists, three rebounds, and a steal.  Two other Night Hawks were in double figures for the evening.  Guard Max Grace netted 19 points while forward Alan Love contributed 16 points and six rebounds.
 
Thomas drops to 17-8, 8-7 TSC play, on the season while Ave Maria drops to 11-15, 4-11 on the year.
 
The Night Hawks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 14 when they host Sun Conference rival Johnson and Wales University on Senior Night.  Prior to the game, the TU Athletics Department will honor Keldrick Davis, Max Grace, Marcus Humose, Alan Love, and Rodney Sturkie.  Tipoff is set for 3:00 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 women's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMBKB.