Portsmouth, OH – The 19^th-ranked UC men's basketball team erased an nine point halftime deficit but were unable to complete the comeback as they fell 83-74 to Shawnee State Thursday night. With the win the Bears improve to 10-5 overall and 2-0 against the MSC, while the Patriots drop to 13-4 and 0-2 in conference play.

After the two teams traded baskets to start the game, Shawnee State went on a 17-4 run to take a 19-6 lead with 12:57 remaining in the first half.  A minute later Jordan Griggs assisted an Anthony Eaves three-pointer, before adding four straight points of his own to cut the deficit to 23-15 midway through the half.  Malik Colvin-Seldon netted the Patriots next 11 points, including three a career-high three triples, to cut the deficit to 28-26 with 7:04 left.  The Bears went on a 10-4 run, over the span of three minutes to extend their lead back to eight points.  The two teams traded buckets over the final four minutes of the half as Shawnee State took a 46-37 lead into the break.

Eaves drilled shot from long range to start the second half as part of a 5-2 run to make it 48-42. However that run was short-lived as Shawnee State pushed the lead back to nine points.  A few minutes later, UC would net seven straight points, including four from Jahi Hinson to cut the deficit to 52-51 with 14:10 remaining in the second half.  The two teams traded baskets over the next five minutes as the Bears took a 60-55 lead midway through the second half.  Cumberlands continued to battle as Griggs scored five straight points to tie the game at 61-61.  Less than a minute later, Hinson connected with Travon Labranche for a three-pointer to put UC give the Patriots their first lead of the game at 64-63 with 7:53 remaining.  Cumberlands would take the lead one more time at the 6:45 mark however Shawnee State closed out the game on a 17-7 run for the 83-74 final.

Colvin-Seldon led the way for Cumberlands with 19 points and three assists, while Griggs added 16 points and six rebounds.  Eaves and Labranche finished with 11 points apiece as Hinson chipped in nine points and four assists.    

UC returns to action Saturday, January 12, as they travel to Pikeville, KY to face the 16^th-ranked Bears at 4 p.m. Live video is available here, while live stats will be available here.

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