BLUE MOUNAIN, Miss. – Will Smith scored a season-high 21 points, but it was not enough as the Martin Methodist Men's Basketball team suffered an 82-78 defeat at Blue Mountain (Miss.) College Saturday afternoon.

The loss was a bitter one for the RedHawks (2-14, 1-4 SSAC), who rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to pull within striking distance at the end.

Trailing 69-58 with just over eight minutes left to play, the RedHawks clawed their way back in the contest to pull within three points with 1:36 left on the clock.

But the Toppers (5-7, 2-4) answered with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch and were able to hang on and pull away for the four-point victory.

The loss spoiled a spectacular shooting night for senior forward Will Smith, who connected on 10-of-15 shots for 21 points. Smith added four rebounds, two blocks and two assists on the night. The 21 points were the most for the forward since he scored 19 vs. Georgetown (Ky.) College on Nov. 10.

Junior guard Van Johnson notched 15 points off the bench for the RedHawks, who outscored the Toppers by a 39-12 margin off the bench.

But the Toppers responded with a big scoring night of their own in the form of guard Jaylon Bardley, who poured in 25 points.

Fellow backcourt mate Harrison Fancher added 16 points – 12 of which came from downtown – as the Toppers made just enough shots to keep the RedHawks at bay.

The loss was the second in the RedHawks last two trips to Mississippi as they suffered a 79-77 loss to the Toppers a year ago.

Martin Methodist will look to rebound when it returns to action next Thursday, Jan. 11, when it hosts Loyola (La.) University in another SSAC showdown.

Tipoff in next Thursday's contest is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Curry Christian Life Center.