The men’s basketball team suffered two losses over the holiday break while picking up two wins. All four games were Gulf South Conference games.

The Lions played Union University in Jackson, Tenn. on Dec. 9. UNA won the game 85-80.

There were 12 lead changes and 12 ties during the close game. Nathan Spehr led the Lions in minutes and points with 35 and 23, respectively.

The Lions trailed 44-40 heading into the second half.

UNA’s three-point shooting in the second half made the difference as they shot 5-8 from behind the three-point line.

Bruce Adams was the only Lion player with double-digit rebounds, as he secured 11 during the game.

The Lions traveled to the University of West Georgia to play the one-loss Wolves on Dec. 18. UNA lost 74-72, despite outscoring UWG 43-24 after the first half.

Rashaun Claiborne led the Lions in points and rebounds. He scored 23 and had nine rebounds.

UNA was 0-10 in the first half from the three-point line, which contributed to them shooting 28.1 percent in the first half.

The Lions shot better in the second half, shooting only three three-pointers and outscoring UWG 48-31.

UNA lost their second straight GSC game against Shorter University 90-72 in Rome, Ga. on Dec. 20.

Shorter scored 54 points behind nine three-pointers in the first half. The Lions went 0-9 in the first half from the three-point line, scoring 26 in the first.

UNA struggled again shooting three-pointers in the second half of the game, going 1-8.

The Lions were unable to overcome their poor three-point shooting in their loss.

Claiborne led the team, scoring 21 in the game.

UNA returned to Flowers Hall on Jan. 4 and defeated Lee University 76-69 to move to 8-4 on the season.

Lee led the game 38-32 heading into the second half and extended their lead to 11 with 16:58 left in the game, their largest of the game.

The Lions were able to get to the free-throw line 39 times compared to Lee’s 15.

The team took extra free-throw shots after each practice following the Shorter game, said head coach Bobby Champagne.

“We made 100 free throws as a team after practice,” he said. “We have a good free throw shooting team and I wanted them to get back to that. I think it showed tonight.”

Bruce Adams and Claiborne each had doubles in the game. Adams had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Claiborne had 20 points and 13 rebounds.

The Lions will play Valdosta State University in Flowers Hall at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 and the University of West Florida at 3 p.m. on Jan. 11.