MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The AUM men's basketball team suffered a 69-68 loss to Trevecca Nazarene in its Gulf South Conference opener at the AUM Athletics Complex on Thursday.

Malachi Rhodes led the Warhawks with 22 points and 13 rebounds for his second-consecutive double-double. The 22 points were a season high for the senior forward. Arion Lewis had 17 points and three assists, while Talib Ferrette fromish with 10 points.

AUM (3-3, 0-1) shot 42 percent but was just 4-of-17 from outside. The Warhawks had six offensive rebounds that they converted into nine points. AUM forced Trevecca into 19 turnovers that the home team scored 22 points off of.

TNU (6-2, 1-1) finished shooting 41 percent and made seven 3-pointers. Jikari Johnson and Jalen Page both had 20 points to lead the Trojans.

Thursday's game featured nine lead changes and five ties, but it was a 7-0 Trojan run late that turned the momentum to the visitors from Nashville.

That stretch gave TNU a 65-59 lead with 4:11 to play. AUM pulled to within three twice and then a Rhodes dunk with 44 seconds trimmed the deficit to 69-68. The Trojans missed a jumper on their ensuing possession but got the rebound, forcing AUM to foul. Spencer White missed both free throws but AUM turned the ball over on the inbounds play, allowing TNU the chance to ice the game with 1.0 left.

AUM will return to play on Saturday afternoon when it welcomes Lee (4-1, 0-1) to the Athletics Complex. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
   
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