PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Men's Basketball team battled, but dropped a pair of tough SSAC matchups on the road to close their schedule prior to the Christmas break.

On Monday, the RedHawks saw a second-half lead slip through their fingertips as they suffered a 64-59 defeat at Blue Mountain (Miss.).

The RedHawks led by as many as five with just over eight minutes to play, but were outscored 20-10 in the final eight minutes of the contest in the five-point defeat.

Javonte Cooper led the RedHawks with 22 points. The senior connected on 4-of-5 shots from downtown and nailed all four free throw attempts. Jordan Olison flanked Cooper with 19 points.

Da'Juonta Ross led the Toppers with 22 points.

On Saturday, the RedHawks suffered an 82-78 defeat to Bethel (Tenn.) at Crisp Arena in McKenzie, Tennessee. The RedHawks trailed by as many as 22 in the second half, but tied the contest at 77-77 with just over a minute remaining.

But, the RedHawks went 2-of-4 from the free throw line down the stretch and were never able to take their first lead of the day. Bethel was able to add four more points at the charity stripe and pull away for the four-point victory.

Adrian Smith led the RedHawks with 22 points in the defeat. Isaac Edmondson led the Wildcats with 18.

The RedHawks return to action on Saturday, Dec. 29, when they travel to Louisville, Kentucky for a showdown versus NCAA Division II powerhouse Bellarmine University.