Box Score SWANNANOA, NC - The Owls channeled their inner Gucci Mane in the first half of Tuesday's match-up against Division II foe, Erskine College. With the potential of tired legs from a game 24 hours prior, the Owls came out so icy from the field and wasted an elite defensive first half in which they held the Flying Fleet under 30 points.

The Owls entered the half down 13-29. Despite the deficit, it was clear that some offensive improvements would get the Owls back in the game. A three from Dylan Wheatley and an and-one from Antonio Banuelos got the Owls out to a 6-0 start to trim the Erskine lead to 10.

With the lid finally off the baskets, Yoshi Kendrick added a pair of steals that he turned into breakaway baskets, including a thunderous two-handed dunk to continue the Owls fight. Kendrick's command of the game in the half court helped settle the Owls offense in the second half. After a three from Kendrick with under 12 minutes to go, the Owls again trimmed the Erskine lead to 10. That was the closest the Owls would come as Erskine answered each Owls mini run with a run of their own. The fairly even second half left the Owls with a 14-point loss.

Although the Owls struggled with shooting efficiency throughout the game, they did receive a scoring boost from their bench. Aaron Cuthbertson added seven made free throws on his way to 12 points. Jason "Slim" Hines Jr. added eight points including a signature Slim stretch that included a pull-up jumper and a swooping lefty drive for an and-one on his own personal 5-0 run.

Two more games this week for the Owls as they look to build and find their best basketball in time for the Coast 2 Coast Conference Tournament Thursday February 22nd. The Owls will be back in action Thursday on the road against Toccoa Falls.