SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Despite a strong second half, the Hawks fell to Converse in a 77-69 final Friday night. 

The Hawks battled with the hosts early on, with no team gaining an advantage. After a Donovan Shangase three made it a 24-22 game, the Valkyries responded with a dominating 19-4 run to open the lead. The Hawks continued to fight, but found themselves behind 43-30 at the break. 

The hosts continued to pour it on in the second half, extending their lead to as much as 24 points. At the halfway mark, the Hawks' offense found life and exploded on a 21-5 run to crawl their way back into the contest thanks to strong guard work from Chris Bibbs and Jalien Bush. The Hawks continued to fight, with Bibbs making it a four-point game with 26 seconds left. Unfortunately for Shorter, Converse converted on late free throws as they fended off a strong second half from the Hawks in a 77-69 final. 

Chris Bibbs led the Hawks with 20 points and seven rebounds with Jalien Bush chipping in 14 points and five boards. Axel Holmquist recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds to round out the Hawks. 

UP NEXT

Shorter will return to Rome this Tuesday as they host Erskine at 7:00 PM. 

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