NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – The Thomas University men's basketball team continues to show signs of struggle and growth as the season has developed under first year head coach Brent Crews. 
 
Tonight's battle was another test of strength for the Night Hawks as they squared off against Johnson & Wales on the road.  While Thomas fell 73-57 to the surging Wildcats, the Night Hawks continue to improve as they learn their new system.
 
Thomas, who led in the early going, surrendered the lead to the Wildcats with just under 10 minutes left in the first half.  JWU applied a full-court press that forced three costly turnovers before the intermission, giving the Wildcats the 27-23 advantage at the half.
 
The effort was still present in the second half with the Night Hawks making runs (6-0 and 4-0) at the Wildcats' lead.  JWU's 41-percent accuracy from behind the arch was the difference in the second half though as the hosts pushed their lead to 14, 68-54, with 2:17 left in regulation.
 
Down the stretch, the Wildcats connected on two of their last three possessions to push the gap to 18, 73-55, at its height before TJ Rines landed a floater before the buzzer.  JWU pulled out the 73-57 win as the Night Hawks dropped their fifth Sun Conference game of the year.
 
Johnson & Wales had four Wildcats in double figures with Frank Bennett leading all scorers with 16.  Thomas' Mike Lyons led the Night Hawks with 12 while Adonai Rogers contributed 10 points in the losing effort.
 
The Night Hawks (7-12, 1-5 TSC) return to action on Saturday, Jan. 23 when they travel to Ave Maria, Fla., to face Ave Maria University in Sun Conference action. Tipoff is slated for 3:00 p.m.
 
By the Numbers:
2 – Days until Thomas faces Ave Maria University
2 – Night Hawks in double figures in scoring
6 – Game high total of rebounds by Javoris Cooks & TJ Rines
11 – Total turnovers by Night Hawks
12 – Points scored by TU's scoring leader Mike Lyons
40 – Total rebounds by the Night Hawks
57 – Points scored by Thomas
 
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.