Ashland Va - The men's basketball team was defeated by Bethany on Tuesday in the third place game at R-MC Coaches tournament sponsored by Kay Jewelers. 

The Lions went down early to Bethany after an 8-0 run in the first 3:30 minutes of the half. The Lions battled back to get within two due to 6 points by Adonis Rosario and consecutive 3 pointers by Deion Boyer and Austin Nyekan. Bethany was able to hold off the Lions and extend the lead through out the half and went into halftime with a 48-29 lead. 

Despite outscoring Bethany in the second half 43-38 and shooting 6 of 12 from beyond the arc, the Lions could never take over the lead. Austin Nyekan led the team in the second half with 10 points and shot 3 of 8 from the field and 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Bethany would not allow the Lions to cut the lead below 12 points throughout the half. The result was 86-72 defeat to Bethany in the third place game of the R-MC Coaches Tournament.

The Lions were led by Adonis Rosario with 22 points shooting 9 of 13 from the field and 4 of 7 from the line. Austin Nyekan had a good night shooting from beyond the arc, going 4 of 7, Austin was second on the team in scoring with 13. Stephan Tucker led the team in rebounds with 6. 

Rosario was named to Kay Jewlers All-Tournament Team.

The Lions will be back in action after the new year in their first home game against Gallaudet in conference play on Thursday January 7th at 6 pm.