MOBILE, Ala. – The Spring Hill College (SHC) men's basketball team fell behind 19-2 in the first six minutes of play and could not muster the firepower to overcome such a large early deficit in a 71-57 non-conference loss to the University of West Florida (UWF) Argonauts at the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center on Tuesday night.
 
SHC rallied to pull back within seven points of the Argonauts (5-0) at 32-25 with 5:32 left on the first half clock, but UWF would fight back out to a 45-32 lead at halftime.
 
In the second period, the Argos would stretch out as much as a 67-42 advantage with 7½ minutes to play and three consecutive 3-point buckets by the Badgers would cut the lead to 67-51, but the visitors from Pensacola held on for the final 71-57 decision.
 
Senior Walter Massey and junior Brandon Fischer each had 12 points for the Badgers while Dwight Harris added 11 and Chase Shellman came off the bench to drop in another 10 points.
 
Overall, SHC shot 50% (22-44) from the field and 47.1% (8-17) from 3-point range. The Badgers suffered 18 turnovers versus 10 steals by UWF while making 5-of-6 free throw attempts.
 
The Argos shot 51.8% (29-56) overall and 44.4% (4-9) from 3-point distance while losing 11 turnovers to four Badger steals. Rashaan Benson and Darryl Tucker led the Argos with 18 points apiece. UWF earned a 30-21 victory in rebounding while making 64.3% (9-14) of their free throws.
 
The Badgers (2-2) will next travel to New Orleans on Friday to take on the University of New Orleans (UNO) Privateers (0-2) in an exhibition game at 2 p.m. in the Lakefront Arena.