ROME- The Shorter Hawks came up short Saturday afternoon in an 80-68 defeat at the hands of Lees-McRae. 

The Hawks' offense was stagnant to begin the opening frame, falling behind 10-2. The Hawks' offense finally started to connect, scoring 10 unanswered to claim their first lead of the afternoon. Both sides continued to trade the lead before Lees-McRae jumped out to a 28-22 lead at the 4:34 mark. Back-to-back successful trips at the line for Donovan Shangase and a bucket from Jalien Bush gave Shorter the 30-28 lead just before the break. The Hawks entered the half ahead 34-33. 

Multiple lead changes occurred in the second frame, with no side able to pull away by more than four points. After a thunderous jam from Michael Johnson to tie it at 58, the Bobcats gained momentum, going on a 7-0 run to claim the lead. The Hawks' offense unfortunately, went cold, as Lees-McRae took advantage by extending their lead to as much as 14 points. Shorter continued to fight, but would fall in an 80-68 defeat. 

Donovan Shangase led Shorter with 20 points, 3 rebounds, and four assists while being automatic from the line, going 11-for-12 (91.6%). Redick Smith scored a career-high 13 points off the bench while Ja'Myas Davis also chipped in with 13 points. Jalien Bush rounded out the scoring effort finishing with eight points while securing a season-high 10 rebounds. 

UP NEXT

The Hawks will remain in Rome as they host Emmanuel this Wednesday for a 7:30 PM tip-off. 
 

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