Harrisonburg, Va. -- University of Lynchburg graduate student Tharon Suggs led all scorers with 21 points in a 65-60 loss to Eastern Mennononite Saturday afternoon. 

While Suggs splashed two 3-pointers in the first half, T.C. Thacker opened up the day with a deep ball after grabbing his first of 13 rebounds. 

After the Royals responded with two quick jumpers, Lynchburg never led again. The Hornets faced their third-straight halftime deficit and trailed 41-19 at the break. 

Mark Burkholder, EMU's leading scorer, drained a 3 with 13:26 as the Royals established their largest lead of the game, 55-30. 

Just as Lynchburg had done in previous games, the Hornets showed a lot of heart in the second half. Suggs scored seven-straight points after Burkholder's make, and the Hornets chipped away at the lead. 

With 6:51 to play, Thacker hauled in his 10th rebound of the game and put it back up for the layup. He was fouled on the make and sank the free throw for his 10th point of the game and 15th double-double of the season. Thacker ranks second in the nation for most double-doubles this season. 

The 6-6 forward's and-1 was part of a 13-point run for the Hornets. Isräel Lockamy also converted the old-fashioned 3-point play during the streak and the Hornets crept closer to EMU, 59-54. 

With 0:50 left, Lockamy sank another free throw and the Hornets were down by three after previously trailing by 25. Lockamy ended the night with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists. 

Alex Fitch made a 3-pointer with 0:16 left, but the Royals held on for the 65-60 win.

Lynchburg (13-7, 7-4 ODAC) are back in Turner Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 8 against Randolph at 7 p.m. The Hornets are hosting a Lynchburg Area Recreation Basketball Night during the game.

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--LYN--