HICKORY – Despite a double double by James Rosebud Shaw could not continue its winning momentum and fell to Lenoir-Rhyne 72-61 at the Lenoir-Rhyne tournament at Shuford Gymnasium. 

Shaw (2-9) shot just 36 percent from the field in the first half and turned the ball over 13 times.  Shaw went up 24-20 on a three-point-play by Terrance Christian with 5:02 remaining in the first half.  Lenoir-Rhyne (6-5) tied the score at 24-24 on a lay-up by Josh Rudder 4:14 with remaining in the half.  The teams traded baskets but Shaw managed to take a 32-31-halftime lead on a jumper by Benjamin Zoa with two seconds remaining in the half.

Shaw opened the second half on a 10-2 run sparked by James Rosebud’s two three-pointers, his second at the 16:50 mark and Shaw led 42-33.  Shaw went up 55-49 on a free throw by Daniel Jackson with 9:55 remaining.  But Shaw could not hold the lead and went on a five minute 35 second scoring drought and during that time Stephen Hines’ three-pointer with 6:58 remaining gave Lenoir-Rhyne a 56-55 lead.  Shaw regained the lead 59-58 on a three-pointer by Larry McCullers with 3:56 remaining.  Shaw would extend its lead to 61-58 on a three-pointer by Nate Arron with 2:57 remaining.  Lenoir-Rhyne closed the game out with a 14-0 run and took the lead for good on two Reggie Bratton free throws with 1:37 remaining. 

Tony Connelly led Lenoir-Rhyne with 21 points.  Rosebud had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Arron had 13 for Shaw.  Shaw will open up CIAA play on January 11 when they host Elizabeth City State at 7:30 at Spaulding Gymnasium.