Panther Men's Basketball (4-6) fell in the championship round of the LC Christmas Tournament on Sunday night (Dec. 15) to the East Texas Baptist University Tigers (3-8) by a final score of 79-63.

Game Details
Feeling the momentum from the previous day's opening round, both teams showcased their offensive rhythm as Kameron McCall got things going with an early three-pointer. The Tigers of East Texas Baptist were just a notch hotter, however, draining consistent threes early in the contest to hold a double-digit lead throughout the opening half. Trailing by as much as 12 late in the first half, LaGrange battled to cut down the deficit as Micah McCallister scored a quick bucket off a steal with three seconds left to bring his team within eight and secure much-needed momentum heading into the intermission.

Devin Dowell and the Panthers got right back to work in the second half, continuing to chip away at the Tigers' lead and fend off multiple scoring surges. Things seemingly began to fall LC's way as McCall drilled an energizing three-pointer to bring the game within four as they trailed 53-49 with seven minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the visiting Tigers would continue to outstretch their lead despite many promising attempts from the Panthers to claw back, eventually through the final whistle as the title of LC Christmas Tournament Champions would be granted to East Texas Baptist with the 79-63 win.

Top Panther Performers
Despite the loss, Devin Dowell put forth a career-high performance with 22 points in addition to four steals and an assist to the LaGrange, Ga native's ledger.

Micah McCallister also had a solid night on the court for the Panthers, with 11 points, four steals, three assists, five rebounds and a perfect 4/4 showing at the free-throw line.

Up Next
The Panthers will be back in action on Tuesday (Dec. 17) when they travel to Troy University for exhibition play.