DAYTON, Tenn. – The UT Southern men's basketball team dropped its first game of the 2026-27 season Tuesday night, falling 82-67 to Bryan College at Summers Gymnasium. The Firehawks move to 2-1 on the season following their first road contest of the year.
UT Southern battled throughout the opening half and briefly held a four-point advantage after a strong stretch fueled by perimeter shooting. The Firehawks knocked down several early three-pointers and received balanced scoring as they looked to carry over momentum from their 2-0 start.
Bryan answered late in the first half, however, using a strong run to build a 36-30 lead at the break. A late basket from Daniel Nwauzu kept the Firehawks within striking distance entering halftime.
The Lions extended their advantage early in the second half, stretching the margin into double figures before UT Southern began to chip away. Isaiah Claybrooks, Antonio Cochran, and Jack Harper helped spark the Firehawks' rally, cutting the deficit to five points with just over four minutes remaining.
Bryan responded with a decisive closing run, capitalizing on free throws and second-chance opportunities to regain control and secure the victory.
Harper paced UT Southern with a season-high 19 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Luke Lentz added 13 points, while Cochran finished with 12 points and two blocked shots.
Claybrooks contributed nine points, six rebounds, and four assists, helping orchestrate the Firehawk offense throughout the night. Nwauzu supplied six points off the bench, while Kalik Sharpe provided an energetic performance with six points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Despite connecting on 11 three-pointers, the Firehawks were unable to overcome Bryan's efficiency inside and on the glass. The Lions held a 36-27 rebounding advantage and shot 50 percent from the field.
UT Southern will have a quick turnaround this weekend as it travels to McKenzie, Tennessee, for the Chick-fil-A Classic, hosted by Bethel University inside Crisp Arena. The Firehawks will open the event on Friday against No. 13 Ave Maria University before concluding tournament play Saturday against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
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