Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team fell to Mary Baldwin University 77-65, dropping to 18-6 overall and 9-4 in USA South Conference play. The game marked Senior Night, as the Knights honored Alex Weiland, Tyler Kartchner, and Eli Ballstaedt for their contributions to the program before tip-off.

The Knights started the game with an early three-pointer from Christian Goode, but that would be their largest lead of the night as they struggled with both shooting and turnovers from the opening tip.

Southern Virginia committed 10 first-half turnovers and shot just 7-23 (30.4%) from the field, including 2-9 (22.2%) from three, while Mary Baldwin shot a scorching 53.3% (16-30) from the field and 50% (8-16) from beyond the arc. The Knights went into halftime trailing significantly.

Coming out of the break, Southern Virginia responded with urgency, cutting the deficit to single digits within the first five minutes. The offense came alive as Goode, DJ Green, and Alex Weiland all knocked down three-pointers, helping the Knights shoot an impressive 6-9 from the field (70%) compared to Mary Baldwin's 16.7% early in the half. This surge brought the Knights within seven points at 46-39.

Southern Virginia continued chipping away, as Green buried a three-pointer to bring the game within four points, followed by two free throws from Luc DeVore, closing the gap to 50-48. However, the Knights were never able to tie the game, as Mary Baldwin continued to answer with timely three-pointers, keeping the Knights just out of reach.

The Squirrels then took full control with a 14-0 scoring run, pushing their lead back into double digits with six minutes remaining. Southern Virginia attempted to fight back down the stretch with contributions from Jude Ballstaedt, DeVore, and Weiland, but the deficit proved too much to overcome, and the Knights fell 77-65.

Tillman Johnson played all 40 minutes, leading the team with 15 points. Goode finished with 12 points on an efficient 5-7 shooting, including 2-2 from three, while Green added 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds.

Southern Virginia will now look to bounce back in its regular-season finale on the road against William Peace before shifting focus to the USA South Conference Tournament.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_hoops on Instagram.