The Lions have not been able to finish close games all season, but Saturday night that trend was broken. The Lions defeated Shorter University 86-83 in a thrilling, come-from-behind win that broke UNA’s three-game skid at home.

The Lions got off to a slow start in the first half. UNA hit only 11 of their 38 shots from the field. Shorter forced nine turnovers and grabbed 14 more rebounds than UNA in the first half.

Down by 14 points with about one minute to go, UNA was just trying to hold on until halftime, said head coach Bobby Champagne.

“You have to give it up to Shorter, because they were kicking our tail in the first half,” Champagne said.

UNA trailed 45-35 at halftime.

Coming out of the locker room, the overall performance by the Lions improved tremendously. Rashaun Claiborne and Calvin Dade heated up and combined for 23 points in the second half.

Claiborne finished with 16 points and Dade finished with 24 points, leading all scorers.

Despite the improved play by the Lions, the Hawks held the lead until the last two minutes of the game. UNA came within three points of Shorter three different times in the second half, but Shorter did not break. Finally, Dade hit two critical free throws that tied the game and with one minute and 40 seconds remaining, Wes Long hit a clutch three-pointer that gave UNA an 83-80 lead.

With the help of missed free throws by Shorter, the Lions were able to hold on to the lead and seal the victory.

“We were on a three-game losing streak at home,” said Dade. “You can’t do that if you plan on winning this conference. We definitely needed this.”

The Lions will take on Union University Feb. 4 at home.