MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The Mighty Banyan's men's basketball team lost 82-88 in a highly competitive match up against No. 17 Florida Memorial. 

The Banyan's (6-15) looked strong in the opening frame. The Banyan's scored 36 points in the half, knocking down 46% of their field goal attempts. NCF rallied around key performances from Jack Scott, Zach Close, and Schuyler Pimentel, keeping the Lions on their heels early. 

The Lion's offense found their rhythm at the twelve minute mark. After a 17-10 New College run, the Lions defense helped them chip away at the New College lead. The Banyan's missed three pointers on three consecutive possessions. FMU capitalized, scoring at the rim and from beyond the perimeter. Florida Memorial rode this momentum to the two minute mark, where they captured their first lead on a transition dunk. Zach Close scored at the rim in the final minutes, but an Adonis Caneris miss at the buzzer sent NCF into the half trailing 36-37. 

Following a deep three ball to begin the half, Schuyler Pimentel and Jordan Clark attacked the rim, scoring on consecutive possessions and notching the game at 40. Florida Memorial drilled three consecutive three pointers, highlighting an impressive second half shooting display. A Jack Scott long-ball helped New College recapture their focus, upping their pressure on the defensive end. Shawn Lefresne connected on a trey ball moments later, bringing the Banyan's back within two with 15 minutes remaining. 

The Lions offense exploded out of the timeout, immediately knocking down a contested corner three. A Zach Close miss led to another Lion breakaway slam, pushing the lead back to double figures. Florida Memorial continued their onslaught, pushing the lead to 21 with just over two minutes remaining. 

The New College offense surged again in the final moments. Alex Excellent racked off 5 quick points, draining a shot from long range and scoring in transition. Jack Scott and Shawn Lefresne drilled back to back shots from distance, bringing NCF back within 8. An Alex Excellent scored once more at the buzzer, putting the finishing touched on a highly competitive ball game. 

NCF saw four players score in double figures. 

Schuyler Pimentel led all scorers, notching 20 points and 4 rebounds. Shawn Lefresne made his mark from downtown, tallying 16 points with 4 long-balls. Jack Scott continued his impressive stretch of play, recording 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. 

Jordan Clark added an all around performance, totaling 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in 39 minutes of action. 

The Mighty Banyan's look to get back to winning ways on Thursday, Feb 8 when they host Trinity College at Hal Chasey Gymnasium.