MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Millsaps men's basketball team put up a thrilling offensive and defensive performance, but it wasn't enough to secure the win over Lagrange College, falling 68-67 in the Catherine Dixon Roland Arena.

Senior Doug Watson played a huge part going up against the Panthers defensively shooting 5-of-9 from midrange and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line combining for 17 points, two assists and two rebounds.

Rising freshman Rodney Phillips Jr. had a breakout game totaling 14 points. The Majors held LaGrange to 21 percent from beyond the arch (4-of-19). the majors held their opponent to 27 percent.
 
Using their offensive strategy, the Majors shot a high percentage from the floor (24-of-49) and had stronger bench contributions (32-25), while LaGrange was held a turnover advantage of 19-11.
 
The Majors led by seven points (12-5) before the first media timeout when junior Aaron Ursin (six rebounds) sunk a nifty layup and senior Rodreekas Bush converted a long-range three-pointer.
 
Millsaps and LaGrange traded baskets throughout the first half, which saw the Majors hold a 37-33 advantage heading into intermission.
 
The Panther held a brief 44-42 edge six minutes into the second half before the Majors went a 12-0 run completed by a junior Cam Rucker jumper with 7:20 remaining.

LaGrange then methodically battled back again to go ahead, 63-62 with 1:23 on the clock. A total of five Panther free throws and a Watson layup made it 68-64 with seven seconds to play.

Rising freshman Dakota Gasca nailed a three-point basket with three seconds remaining, but LaGrange was able to throw the ball the length of the court and kill the remaining clock on the ensuing inbound attempt.

The Majors will face the Ozarks in the Hangar Dome as part of the Millsaps College Tournament on Saturday, beginning at 4  p.m. Live video and live stats will be available at gomajors.com.


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