ROME -- Despite erasing a seventeen point deficit, the Hawks weren't able to hang on for the win; falling to North Alabama 86-85 in front of the home crowd Thursday night.

Shorter moves to 11-11 on the year and 6-10 in Gulf South Conference play; while the Lions improve to 14-8 overall and 11-5 in the GSC.

A sluggish start put the Hawks behind early, but they didn't give up; turning in a big second half run to take the lead.

In the first half, North Alabama dominated play, forcing Shorter to have to play catch up. Halfway through the period the Hawks trailed 26-19, but they trudged on. And, with five minutes to go Chris Daniels came up with a block that set up a layup from Amonte Potter and Trevor McDade netted a jumper to cut the lead to five (40-35) with 4:24 to play. Again, though, the Lions kept the momentum; tallying at 10-2 run to close out the frame and take a 50-39 lead into the break.

After halftime, the Hawks came out energized and poised to make a comeback, and they did just that. North Alabama took its largest lead of the night with 15:28 to go as Dimario Jackson delivered a three-pointer to make it a 17 point advantage (61-44). From there, Shorter began chipping away. And, on their next possession Phil Taylor netted a three to spark a run that would tie the game. Over the next ten minutes Shorter posted a 25-9 run and tied the game on another three from Taylor – sending the Hawks' faithful into a frenzy and shifting the momentum into Shorter's favor.

The Hawks added to their lead, only to have the Lions quickly erased the five point advantage, tying the game at 74 on a pair of free throws from Da'Shaun Griffin with just over three minutes to go.

As the game came to a close the teams traded the lead, mostly thanks to free throws late. Shorter took the lead 82-81 on a layup from Alijah Bennett with 38 seconds to go, but it was short lived as John Fletcher netted three consecutive free throws due to a foul on Daniels and a technical foul on the Hawks when Taylor called timeout despite Shorter being out. Seconds later, however, Taylor tallied what could have been the game winner, a three on the inbound from Potter with seven seconds to play. The Lions' had other plans, though; taking the ball up the court quickly to allow Griffin to have a shot at a layup; which ultimately gave North Alabama the win 86-85.

In the end, Taylor led the Hawks with a game high 38 points; while adding his second consecutive double-double with 11 rebounds. Daniels also posted a double-double on the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds. McDade just missed a double-double of his own, as well, with nine points and 12 rebounds.

North Alabama had four players finish in double figures with Fletcher tallying a team high 19 points.

Shorter will look to get back in the win column Saturday as Alabama Huntsville visits the Winthrop-King Centre for a 4:00pm start.