COCHRAN, Ga. – The Night Hawks' high-scoring offense was humbled at Morris Gym Wednesday night, as Middle Georgia State defeated Thomas University 81-75.
 
It was a defensive slugfest through the first eight minutes of the game, as both teams were held to single digits that favored the Knights 9-4, thanks to steals and turnovers from both sides. 
 
Despite trailing MGA (2-0), the Night Hawks (0-3), only fell behind by as many as 12 points in the first half.  TU would then trim the Knights' lead to five, highlighted by a basket from Senior Tre Alexandrea basket and pair of good free from Junior Guard Tim Williamson to make it 35-30 in favor of Middle Georgia with 1:23 remaining in the first half.  
 
The Purple and Black would take advantage of their final two possessions of the half, capitalizing on a pair of baskets to head into intermission with a 39-30 lead.
 
Middle Georgia State started the second half right where they left off, jumping out to a 9-0 scoring run in the first 3:06.  TU would respond with a scoring run of their own, 14-5, to put the deficit back to nine with 12:07 left in the game. 
 
After a 3-Pointer by Junior Guard Jordan Booker made the score 57-49 with 10:10 left, Middle Georgia State responded with an 11-3 scoring run over the course of nearly four minutes to rebuild their double-digit lead, 68-52.
 
After a Juwan Smith basket for MGA made the contest 72-58, TU once again rallied late, as the team went on a 12-4 scoring run to put the game within six, 76-70, with 1:38 left, thanks to a crucial 3-Pointer from Junior Forward Shamar Brown.
 
The late efforts from the Hunter Green & White would fall short, as missed shots from the field in the final minute, along with Middle Georgia State's clock management and converted free throws, would once again doom the Night Hawks and preserve MGA's 81-75 win.
 
Booker finished the night leading all Night Hawks in scoring with 19 Points.  Junior Guard Trint Bryant picked up his second, consecutive double-double with 18 Points and 14 Rebounds.  Bryant and Williamson recorded four assists apiece, while Sophomore Guard Daniel Merrius finished the night with 11 Points, one assist and one block.  Alexandrea tallied seven points, four assists, and four boards.
 
Thomas University is back on the court next November 14th, as the team prepares for its TSC home-opener against RV Southeastern University.  Tipoff against the Fire is slated for 4 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.