Memphis, Tenn. -- The 2017-18 men's basketball season opened Friday evening with the Hawks falling to Lemoyne-Owen, 60-52, on the road.

Shorter got off to a strong start against the Magicians, scoring seven quick points to hold a 7-4 advantage on a Joe Russell layup, three minutes into the game. Only to have LOC start just as well, taking the lead on a layup that sparked an 8-0 run to make it a 14-7 game midway through the opening frame. The Hawks then answered with a 7-0 run of their own, started by a layup from Amonte Potter and capped with a game-tying jumper form Drew Thomas with just under five minutes remaining before halftime. Lemoyne-Owen regained the lead moments later and closed out the frame with the lead, 24-20, heading into the locker room.

The Hawks opened the second half with an 8-2 run, taking the lead 28-26 on a three from Potter, but the Magicians answered; regaining the advantage moments later, on a three from Filip Vukmirovic to make it a 34-33 game in favor of the hosts with 16:24 remaining. Shorter closed the gap, and once again tied the game; this time on a layup from Josh Burnett with twelve minutes to play. But, it was short lived as LOC netted a three from Jalen Myrie to take the advantage for good, going an 8-0 run to make it an 8-point game midway through the second quarter. Down the stretch, the Magicians led by as many as twelve (58-46 with :44 to play), with Shorter closing out the final minute on a 6-2 run for the 60-52 score.

Potter led the offense with 19 points; while three other players finished with nine – Russell, Burnett, and Thomas. Jonathan Mason added a team high six assists, and Russell finished with a team high six rebounds.

Lemoyne-Owen was led by Rashawn Ellis's 13 points.

The Hawks will look to even their record Saturday afternoon as they take on Spring Hill at 3:00pm.