Written by Antoine Lynch, Athletics Media Specialist

RALEIGH, N.C.  – The Shaw University men's basketball team saw its halftime lead evaporate as the Bears dropped the season series to rival Saint Augustine's University, 79-59 in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division matchup inside historic C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

The Bears drop to 5-20 overall, 2-13 in the CIAA while the Falcons improve to 10-16 overall and are now 5-11 in the CIAA.

Things started out even between both squads before the Falcons pulled ahead 17-13 with 9:41 remaining in the half. Shaw responded to take a 21-20 lead with a layup from junior guard Greyson Kelley (Raleigh, NC). The Bears were able to hold the lead the rest of the half leading 31-26 at the break.

Shaw opened the second half with a basket to go ahead by their largest margin at eight. From there the Falcons took control the rest of the contest tying the game at 33-33 at the 17:43 mark before going ahead for good 38-35.  SAU pushed their lead to 56-40 with under 10 minutes remaining before going up 66-46 and cruising to the twenty-point victory sweeping the Bears.

Kelley paced the Bears with 16 points followed by junior guard Josue Kamba (Raleigh, NC) 11 points. Gary Jefferson led the Falcons with 15 points.

Shaw returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 19 as the Bears host Fayetteville State University for senior night. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Spaulding.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, please visit www.shawbears.com.