Florence, Ala. -- Despite turning in their highest scoring output of the season, the Hawks fell to UNA, 96-85, on the road Thursday evening.

With the loss Shorter moves to 1-10 on the season and 1-2 in conference play; while the Lions improve to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in the GSC.

After making it an 11-10 game on a pair of free throws from TayVaughn Major just after the first media timeout of the first half, the Lions used a 19-5 run over the next four minutes to pull away, taking a 30-15 advantage on a jumper from Kendall Stafford with 9:15 to play. Through the final half of the period the teams traded baskets, with UNA holding a slim 23-18 scoring advantage for the 53-33 halftime score.

Shorter opened the second half by scoring the period's first four points, and extended the run to 15-10 to cut the UNA lead to 63-48 at the first media timeout. From there the Hawks began chipping away, and cut the lead to ten, 79-69, on eight straight points – a pair of threes from Jonathan Mason and free throws from Josh Burnett – with just over five minutes to play. Through the final minutes, the Lions stretched their advantage to as many as seventeen – 89-72 – but the Hawks wouldn't concede, as they outscored UNA 13-7 over the final two minutes for the 96-85 score.

Shorter shot 43 percent for the game; while converting 35 percent from beyond the arc and 63 percent from the free throw line.

Every player for the Hawks tallied at least two points; while all five starters scored in double figures. Drew Thomas led the offense with 23 points, Mason added 16, Major chipped in with 14, Burnett finished with 12 and Amonte Potter tallied 11.

Six players tallied ten or more for the Lions, led by Adrian Smith with 20. Stafford added a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds while playing most of the game in foul trouble.

The Hawks will look to close out 2017 on a high note, Tuesday as they travel to Huntsville, Ala. to take on UAH. Game time is set for 6:15 ET in the Rocket City Classic from the Von Braun Center.