Madisonville, TN - A slow start doomed the Owls as they traveled to Hiwassee College Thursday night to take on the Tigers. The Tigers jumped on the Owls first as they took a 9-0 lead. Senior guard Michael Pomeroy checked in the game and picked up right where he left off 7 months ago before suffering a season ending injury. Two three pointers by Pomeroy and two free throws put the Owls on the board and back in the game. The Owls would go on a run at the end of the half and go into the half down 42-37.

The second half was similar to the first. The Tigers jumped on the Owls again, but the Owls refused to be denied. With just under 12 minutes left in regulation freshman guard Kahlon Whitley would make a three pointer on the wing to give the Owls a 58-57 lead. A Darius Bryant put back would give the Owls a 60-57 lead. Unfortnately for the Owls, that would be the largest lead that they would have and were not able to hold on to it. The Tigers would eventually run away with the game and the Owls suffered their first defeat of the 2017-2018 campaign, 88-81.

"The guys played so hard tonight. In a game like this, where you shoot 27% from 3 (9/33) and 34% from the field (28/83), it's a wonder we didn't get beat significantly more than we did. I loved our fight, our relentless pursuit to work, and it was good to see Mike back on the floor and Kahlon show what he is capable of doing. We will sit on this one for 12 hours, regroup and get ready to protect home court against Milligan next Wednesday" stated head coach Anthony Barringer.

Michael Pomeroy finished the game with 20 points in just under 11 minutes of play. Senior guard Darius Bryant notched the Owls first double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Bryant suffered a nose injury early in the game that held him out most of the first half.

The Owls are home for the home opener November 1st, against Milligan College. Tip off is at 7:30 P.M.