LAGRANGE, Ga. – Asbury (5-17, 3-6 CCS) fought hard in a road contest but could not keep pace with LaGrange (10-9, 3-5 CCS), falling 80-65 on Saturday afternoon inside Mariotti Gymnasium in LaGrange, Ga.

After facing a 50–34 deficit at halftime, the Eagles responded with renewed energy and outscored the Panthers in the second half, but the early hole proved too deep as LaGrange's first-half surge ultimately held up down the stretch.

LaGrange seized control early, outscoring Asbury 50-34 in the first half and maintaining momentum through effective field goal shooting and interior scoring. The Panthers held a double-digit lead at the break, forcing Asbury to play from behind in the second half.

Asbury battled back with effort on both ends, shooting 38% (8-21) from three in the first half and connecting from distance in spurts in the second half. Jonathan Combs and Indred Whitaker each finished with nine points, while Jake Taylor added eight points off the bench to keep the Eagles within striking range at various points.

The Eagles totaled 14 assists on 20 made baskets and scored 35 points off the bench, helping fuel their comeback effort after halftime. Asbury also generated 15 points off turnovers and recorded eight steals.

Despite the push, the Panthers answered every rally with timely baskets. LaGrange's balanced attack was highlighted by Devin Dowell's 26 points, supported by Kani Rashied-Henry's 11 and Parker Gonzalez's 10 as they extended the lead late to secure the win.

Asbury finished shooting 37.0% from the field and 41.9% from three on the afternoon while sharing the ball with 13 assists. The Eagles also attempted to trim the deficit with effort on the glass, pulling down 22 rebounds and generating 15 points off turnovers.

* Jonathan Combs | 9 PTS, 3 REB
* Indred Whitaker | 9 PTS (1-4 3PT),  STL
* Jake Taylor | 8 PTS (3-3 FG)
* Tyler Hall | 7 PTS
* Jordan Lewis | 6 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL
* Owen Davis | 6 PTS (2-3 3PT)


Asbury returns home on Thursday, February 12th to play Belhaven at 7 PM in the Luce Center.