LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Sophomore Josiah Hardy (Ashburn) scored 15 points and junior Ryan Clements (Conyers, GA) added 13 points, but Hampden-Sydney College dropped a heartbreaking 67-64 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) basketball decision on the road at the University of Lynchburg on Tuesday night in Lynchburg. The visiting Tigers, who led 36-22 at halftime, dropped to 11-7 overall, 6-5 in the ODAC. T.C. Thacker posted game-highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds for the host Hornets, who scored the final eight points of the contest, while improving to 12-6 overall, 6-3 in the ODAC.

"Tough one tonight," said third-year head coach Caleb Kimbrough. "Our guys fought hard. We had a few mental lapses that allowed them to get back in it and they were able to make some plays down the stretch. On to the next. This team has a lot more to give."

H-SC scored the first five points of the contest with a layup from Hardy and a three-point field goal by Clements, and the Tigers led 9-4 at 14:20 after a layup by junior Chase Turner (Virginia Beach). UL responded with a quick 9-2 run to lead 13-11 at 11:12, but the visitors answered back with a 12-0 run to go back ahead 23-13 with 5:46 on the first-half clock—the outburst including four points from Hardy and capped with a steal and slam dunk by Clements. The Garnet & Grey continued their momentum and extended the run to 23-4 to lead 34-17 at 2:09 after a three-pointer, followed by a layup from junior Miles Harris (Virginia Beach)—Clements and sophomore Adam Brazil (Mooresville, NC) adding three-pointers during the scoring spree, as well. It was a 36-22 advantage at the intermission.

H-SC scored the first four points of the second half to take its largest lead of the night at 40-22 with 18:38 remaining, getting quick baskets from Clements and Hardy. UL, however, responded with 10-straight points to close to within 40-32 at 16:29, and the Hornets extended their run to 15-4 to trail 44-37 with 14:21 on the clock. Back-to-back baskets inside from sophomore Alex Elliott (Marietta, GA) pushed the margin back to 48-39 at 12:34, but UL came right back with eight-straight points—two three-pointers—to get within 48-47 with 9:45 left to play. The Tigers responded with a 7-2 run to lead 55-49 at 6:48 after a three-pointer by Harris, and the visitors led 61-56 at 3:46 after two free throws each from Elliott, fifth-year Jake Hahn (Ruckersville) and Turner. It was a 64-59 advantage with 2:10 on the clock following a basket inside and then 1-2 free throws by Hardy. Unfortunately, the Hornets scored the final eight points over the last 1:11 of the game to escape with their 67-64 victory—Tharon Suggs giving the home team the lead at 65-64 after a layup with 9.8-seconds left, before Thacker secured it with two free throws with 2.5-seconds on the clock. H-SC missed a layup in transition just before the final free throws, and a desperation three-pointer from near midcourt at the buzzer.

Hardy led H-SC with his 15 points and seven rebounds. Clements finished with 12 points, four rebounds and a game-high four steals for the Tigers. Elliott, Harris and Turner each contributed eight points. H-SC shot 39% (25-65) from the field, including 23% (5-22) on three-pointers, and 82% (9-11) at the free throw line.

Thacker led UL with his game-highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Alex Fitch added 19 points off the bench for the Hornets. UL shot 39% (26-67) from the field, including 29% (8-28) on three-pointers, and 70% (7-10) at the line.

H-SC will play at home again on Saturday afternoon, February 5, at 2 p.m. against ODAC member Bridgewater College in S. Douglas Fleet Gymnasium.