SARASOTA, Fla. - The New College of Florida Mighty Banyans lost a highly competitive match to Thomas University on Saturday afternoon. 

The Mighty Banyans (1-3) came into the weekend on a week's rest following their win over Beacon College on Nov. 2 and traveled to Thomas University (2-3) to face off against a talented Night Hawks squad.

The Banyans competed well in the first half, showcasing their solid defense in the frame and holding the Night Hawks to 44.7% shooting in the period. 

The offense also played well, shooting an efficient 51.6% from the field and making three of the four free throw attempts. Jack Scott and Giovanni Toscanini led the Banyans in the first half, scoring 10 points each. New College trailed Thomas University 38-40 at the break.

New College struggled in the second half. Thomas jumped on the Banyans early in the second, extending their halftime lead to 10 points in the first five minutes of action. The Night Hawks didn't slow down, going on another big run and extending their lead to 27, the largest of the game. 

Schuyler Pimental provided a big spark for the Banyans, scoring 17 second-half points on 70% shooting from the field to bring the Banyans back within 10. 

The Banyan's comeback came up just short, with Thomas University winning the game 93-83. 

Schuyler Pimental led New College with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

Jack Scott, Giovanni Toscanini, and Malachi Pearson all scored in double figures. 

"This team is getting better every day," said head coach Andrew Wingreen. "Tonight we battled, and I was proud of our effort. Right now, we are still having too many lapses and digging ourselves holes, but we continue to fight back. We are beginning to establish more consistency, which will allow more success in the near future. I love the fact that our team is full of guys who are willing to be challenged and coached. We will continue to lay the foundation and set the standard for our culture."

The Banyans have a busy week ahead of them, starting on Tues. Nov. 14, when they travel to Miami to face off against NAIA no.14 ranked St. Thomas.