CONWAY, Ark. - The Hendrix College men's basketball team came close to upsetting Southern Athletic Association leader Birmingham-Southern College at home Sunday afternoon, but the visiting Panthers prevailed 70-64.

A three-pointer by senior guard Drew Nikolovski gave the Warriors (2-17, 1-7) a 64-59 lead with 3:22 to play, but the Panthers (13-6, 8-0) finished the game on an 11-0 run. BSC made 5-of-6 free throws and hit three baskets in the final three minutes of the game.

The teams had an even first half. After eight lead changes, the teams went into the break with their sixth tie of the period at 32-32.

For the game, Hendrix shot 38.9 percent (21-of-54) from the field, 9-of-29 from three-point range and 13-of-18 at the free throw line. BSC shot 51.9 percent (27-of-52) overall, 7-of-16 from outside and 9-of-14 at the stripe. The Panthers had a 35-28 rebound advantage.

Hendrix Notes
- Freshman point guard Preston Smith paced the Warriors with 18 points and four assists. He also recorded four rebounds and a pair of steals.
- Junior guard Travis Garrett hit four 3-pointers en route to 14 points. He also dished out three assists.
- Graduate student forward John Ogle had nine points.
- Junior center Gearen Littlefield recorded six points and eight rebounds.

Birmingham-Southern Notes
- James McLean led the Panthers with 18 points and seven rebounds.
- Harrison Deneka scored 15 points with four boards and three assists.
- Evan Lewis had 12 points and four assists.
- Alex Avery, the team's leading scorer, was held to six points, but he also recorded four assists and three steals.

Up Next
Hendrix will face Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga. Friday night.