The University of Mount Olive men's basketball team suffered a 90-78 loss to Lees-McRae after a late surge by the Bobcats in the closing minutes of the second half, dropping the Trojans to a 6-17 season record with a 5-8 standing in league play. Lees-McRae, with a 15-8 overall record and 8-5 mark in conference action, secured the season sweep after previously losing the last four meetings. Sophomore Shane Peterson tied a game-high with 20 points, while freshmen Kahlif Barnes and Josiah Watkins contributed 13 points each. The game remained close in the first half, but Lees-McRae took control in the second half, building a lead and finishing with a 90-78 victory. UMO shot at a 42.6% clip from the floor and 37.0% from three-point range, while Lees-McRae finished the game shooting 52.5% and went 21-of-25 (84.0%) from the free-throw line. The Bobcats held a 40-30 rebounding advantage with 48 points in the paint, while the Trojans registered 30 points off the bench. Senior Jaylin Stewart tied a game-high with 20 points, and graduate student Rodney Smith finished with 12 points. Mount Olive will return to Conference Carolinas play on Wednesday, Feb. 14, against Chowan at 7 p.m.

By the Numbers
  • UMO: 6-17 season record, 5-8 league play
  • Lees-McRae: 15-8 overall record, 8-5 conference action
  • UMO's Shane Peterson: 20 points, 7-of-13 field goals, 4-of-9 three-pointers
  • UMO's Three-Point Shooting: 10-of-27 (37.0%)
  • Lees-McRae's Shooting: 52.5% from the floor, 21-of-25 (84.0%) from the free-throw line
State of Play
  • UMO drops to 6-17 this season
  • Lees-McRae earns the season sweep after previously losing the last four meetings entering this year
  • Mount Olive will return to Conference Carolinas play on Wednesday, Feb. 14, when it travels to face Chowan with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
Bottom Line

The University of Mount Olive men's basketball team fell to Lees-McRae with a 90-78 loss, marking a challenging season as they prepare to return to Conference Carolinas action.