ST. AUGUSTINE – Jaizec Lottie scored a team-high 21 points and added seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough as No. 25 (NABC Division II Top 25) Flagler College was defeated by the University of South Carolina Aiken 67-65 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Saturday afternoon at Flagler Gymnasium.

USC Aiken improved to 9-4 overall and 3-0 in the Peach Belt. Flagler had its nine-game winning streak come to an end and is now 10-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

"I am proud of our fight but disappointed with the result," said head coach Chad Warner. "We can't turn the ball over 19 times and expect to beat good teams."

The Saints trailed 50-35 early in the second half, but a three-pointer by Derrick Ellis, Jr. helped inject some much-needed energy and started a 19-3 run over the next 6-minutes, 16 seconds. Lottie's trey with 9:41 left gave Flagler its first lead (54-53) since the 11:15 mark in the first half.

The Pacers answered by scoring the next 12 points.

Flagler rallied again and cut the deficit to three (65-62) after a Lottie layup. He hit a three-pointer with 42 seconds left to get the Saints to within two (67-65). Flagler had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but the shot was off target.

Kohl Roberts made his first start tonight and scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds, tallied three assists, blocked two shots, and had two steals. Jalen Barr added 10 points. Ellis led the way with six assists.

David Strother led USC Aiken with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Tyler Johnson added 12 points, seven rebounds, and had four steals. Preston Parks chipped in with 10 points.

Flagler will look to get back into the win column on Jan. 12 against Georgia Southwestern State University, which is a re-match of last year's PBC Tournament championship game. The game will tip around 7:30 p.m. at Flagler Gymnasium.  
   
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