By Nick Porter

Buena Vista, Va.— In a non-conference match against the Apprentice School, the Southern Virginia men's basketball team lost a high-paced thriller falling by six, 86-80.

The first half was an offensive struggle for the Knights (6-18, 4-13 CAC), scoring only 29 points and shooting 37% in the half. Twelve first-half turnovers for the Knights contributed to the Builders' (14-9) 12-point lead at halftime.

The last twenty minutes of the game turned into the highest scoring half the Knights have had all season, scoring 51 points while only committing four turnovers. Nineteen of the second-half points came from junior guard/forward David Baety, who ended with an even 20.

Baety's spark helped the Knights chip away at the 12-point deficit and tie the game at 69 a piece with 7:40 to go, but they could never get over the hump. The Builders made a 12-2 run over the next three minutes and were able to keep the Knights at bay. 

With less than a minute the Knights cut the lead to three, but were forced to foul, and Apprentice knocked down five of six free throws in the last 40 seconds, securing the six-point win.

Junior guard Kevin Walker finished the game with 14 points and seven rebounds while freshman forward Taylor Larson added 13 points. 

Head coach Tony Caputo commented, "the second half was one of our best halves all season. I'm really proud of the guys and hope we can duplicate that effort tomorrow." 

Tomorrow the Knights host St. Mary's College of Maryland, who clinched the first seed of the CAC Tournament at 3:00 p.m. in the Knight Sports Arena in Buena Vista, Virginia.