AVE MARIA, Fla. – New College men's loses first conference game to Ave Maria.

Both Mighty Banyan basketball squads will start their conference seasons 0-1 after traveling to Ave Maria for both teams' conference openers.

The Mighty Banyan men's basketball team got off to a slow start against the Gyrenes.

The Banyans shot 44% from the field in the first half, a good mark. Unfortunately for New College, the Gyrene offense was unstoppable in the first half.

Ave Maria's efficiency helped them jump out to, and maintain the lead throughout the entire period, taking a 54-38 advantage into the break.

The Banyans improved in the second half but still weren't enough to cut into the Gyrene lead. New College increased their field goal percentage by 1% point in the half, while also improving from beyond the arc and from the line.

Even with these improvements, the Gyrenes extended their lead. Their tough defense forced 16 Banyan turnovers, helping them win the turnover battle by 11.

Turnovers ended up being the difference in the game, as the Gyrenes continued to execute and held out to win 97-77.

Charlie Yoder and Jordan Clark led the Banyans on the night, combining for 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Jack Scott and Diego Eslava both scored 10 points.

Adrian Moore played 21 minutes off the bench, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

The Banyans are back in action on Saturday, Nov 23 at Bradenton Christian School vs Florida Memorial.