PULASKI, Tenn. - In a repeat of last season's conference championships, the first regular season meeting between No. 9 Martin Methodist and Freed-Hardeman University fell in favor of the Lions, 83-82. When a pair of FHU free throws tied the game last March, MMC nailed a three at the buzzer to take the TSAC title, but on Thursday night, after a Lion free throw, MMC's last attempt fell short.

The Lions and the RedHawks tangled for the first seven minutes as MMC took a 10-8 lead on McCrory bucket, and quickly extended it to 15-11 thanks to Kirby and Rodgers. FHU, however, would not be silenced and tied the game at 18 by 8:33. Four lead changes and two ties later, MMC emerged to the half with a 37-32 score on a final McCrory three.

FHU quickly surged out of the halftime, looking to overcome a five point deficit, but MMC continued to keep them at bay, leading by as much as 10 through 12:26. At 4:30, the Lions began their comeback, going on a 10-4 run that started and ended with Kyle Teichmann free throws.

Down by one, 80-79, MMC's LaQuantis Stewart knocked down one of two from the stripe to equalize at 80, but a RedHawk foul allowed FHU's All-American Teichmann to head back to the line, as he netted both of his shots for the lead. Stewart went to the hole on the next possession, again tying the game with just 30 seconds to go.

FHU's Anthony Sampson's layup attempt was then blocked by Stewart, but the RedHawks again fouled Teichmann who proved to be the difference maker for the Lions. As he made one of two free throws to give FHU the one point edge with seven seconds left, MMC saw James Justice quickly take the ball down to the top of the key where he kicked it to Cameron Hall in the corner. Time expired as Hall's shot hit the rim, as the Lions handed MMC their first conference loss this season.

Stewart and Jeremy Rodgers both turned in double-doubles, as Stewart tallied 15 points and Rodgers netted 12, both grabbing 10 boards. Justice led the RedHawks in scoring with 19 points, followed by Ree McCrory's 16. Justice handed out eight assists on the night, while Cameron Hall turned in four assists and seven rebounds.

The RedHawks will take a 14-4 overall, and a 4-1 TSAC record to Cumberland University on Saturday, tip-off scheduled for 4pm.