Winchester, VA — After a holiday break, the Southern Virginia University men's basketball team returned to action on the road, falling 80–70 to Shenandoah University.

The opening stretch featured two lead changes as Shenandoah jumped out to a 5–0 start before a DJ Green three-pointer put the Knights on the board. Ashton Davis and Hyrum McConkie helped tie the game at 7–7, and a McConkie layup briefly gave Southern Virginia a 9–7 advantage. However, the Hornets regained control and held the lead for the remainder of the half.

Southern Virginia stayed within striking distance until Shenandoah caught fire, going on a 10–0 run. The Knights responded with a 12–6 surge fueled by threes from Green and Mason Hunter, but the Hornets closed the half strong, scoring seven unanswered to take a 45–33 lead into the break.

Both teams were similar statistically at halftime, but Shenandoah's hot shooting made the difference. The Hornets shot 53.1% from the field and 43.8% from three compared to Southern Virginia's 46.4% overall and 33.3% from deep. Turnovers also hurt the Knights, who committed nine to Shenandoah's five.

The second half opened with both teams trading brief scoring runs—Shenandoah scoring six straight followed by six consecutive points for Southern Virginia. However, both offenses cooled as the half progressed. The Knights shot 10–27 (37%) from the field and 1–9 (11.1%) from three in the second half, while Shenandoah went 10–24 (41.7%) and 0–8 from deep.

In the final five minutes, the Knights mounted a late surge. Tillman Johnson powered the effort offensively, McConkie knocked down key free throws to bring the deficit back to single digits, Green buried a three to keep momentum alive, and Jude Ballstaedt converted clutch free throws to cut the Hornets' lead to five. Southern Virginia then forced a turnover to give themselves another chance, but the comeback bid fell just short.

Johnson recorded a double-double, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Green was the only other Knight in double figures, scoring 13 points with three made three-pointers.

Southern Virginia now turns its attention to USA South conference play, returning home to host Methodist University on Saturday, January 3rd at 3:00 PM.

For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.