LYNCHBURG, Va. --  The University of Lynchburg men's basketball team fell short in its regular-season finale at home, dropping an 81-76 decision to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Jamarcus Brown delivered another stellar performance, finishing with a game-high 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting while further strengthening his case for conference player of the year. The sophomore forward attacked the rim with purpose, going 11-for-19 at the free throw line and adding seven rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes.

Senior guard Piercen Young added 14 points, knocking down three 3-pointers, and Michael Gray chipped in 15, also connecting on three shots from beyond the arc. Lynchburg shot 43.9 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range, committed 15 turnovers, and matched Virginia Wesleyan on the glass at 36 rebounds apiece.

The Hornets trailed 39-37 at the break but closed the opening half on a strong note, erasing a 12-point deficit over the final three minutes to regain momentum. The second half featured a steady exchange of runs, with neither side gaining full separation.

After tying the game on three separate occasions, Lynchburg seized a 67-66 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining. The Hornets were within two points at the 1:40 mark, and while their defense consistently disrupted the Marlins' rhythm, Virginia Wesleyan capitalized at the free throw line down the stretch.

The Marlins did not convert a field goal in the final 3:50, but scored nine points at the stripe in the closing moments to secure the victory. Virginia Wesleyan was paced by a 40-point effort from Omari Deveaux.

Lynchburg now turns its focus to postseason play and will, unofficially, travel to Hampden-Sydney for an ODAC quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

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--LYN--