PULASKI, Tenn. – UT Southern was unable to recover from a difficult opening half Saturday afternoon, falling 78–47 to Life University at the Curry Athletic Complex as the visitors built an early cushion and maintained control throughout SSAC play.
The Firehawks showed early defensive energy, as off the opening tip UT Southern forced Life into a shot clock violation. However, the offense struggled to find rhythm in the early going. Antonio Cochran got the Firehawks on the board with a mid-range jumper, and JaMil Wilson followed with a pair of finishes inside as UTS tried to settle in after the strong defensive start.
Despite flashes of defensive effort, UT Southern endured a prolonged scoring drought midway through the first half. Turnovers and missed perimeter looks allowed Life to extend the margin, while multiple fast-break opportunities pushed the deficit into double figures. Mike Bell, Jr. and Eric Robinson each converted in the paint to halt the momentum briefly, but UT Southern was limited to just 14 points in the opening half and trailed 40–14 at the break.
The Firehawks showed improved energy coming out of halftime. Daniel Reyes opened the second half with a strong finish inside, and De'Marreon Baldwin followed with a fast-break layup as UT Southern began to attack the rim more aggressively. Cochran knocked down a three in transition, and Baldwin continued to pressure the paint, accounting for several baskets during a second-half push.
UT Southern continued to battle despite the margin. Kiah Key provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer and defensive energy, while Freedom Leon converted twice inside during an extended stretch of second-half action. Baldwin remained aggressive late, finishing through contact and closing the game with a three-pointer in the final seconds.
Baldwin led UT Southern with 14 points, scoring 12 of those in the second half. Cochran added eight points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Key finished with five points off the bench. Bell, Jr., JaMil Wilson, and Freedom Leon each scored four points, and Reyes chipped in two points while battling on the boards.
UT Southern will look to rebound quickly, returning home for Senior Day on Saturday, February 14, when the Firehawks host Blue Mountain Christian at the Curry Athletic Complex.
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