GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College men's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to the Scots of Maryville College Saturday 86-85.
 
Maryville established an early 7-4 lead before Greensboro came back to take the lead at 8-7 following a pair of free throws by Michael Phifer and a layup by Carmoni Marks.
 
Despite taking the one point lead, Maryville was able to come back to take a 16-10 lead just minutes later before Marks and Keyford Langley hit from long range to tie the game once again with 13:34 to play in the opening half.
 
However, the Scots then went on a 15-2 run over the next four minutes to take a 31-20 lead before going into halftime up 53-43.
 
Over the first 3:22 of the second half, the Pride offense began to click as the quickly pulled to within two a 56-54 following an 11-3 run. During the run, Phifer connected for five points, including an old-fashion three-point play to cap off the run, while Kevon Meertins and Minnis combined for six points.
 
After the Pride run, Maryville would maintain their lead until just under four minutes to play when they Pride used an 11-1 run to take a 81-75 lead.
 
Minnis fueled the run by scoring eight of the points on three-of-four shooting.
 
The two teams then went on to trade the lead two times before Maryville connected on one-of –two attempts from the free-throw line to establish the 85-84 lead with two seconds remaining.
 
Following the made free throw, Greensboro had one final chance by Marks' three-point attempt hit off the front of the rim, which allowed time to expire and Maryville to escape with the victory.
 
"After the first half we knew we needed to change our defensive mindset for the second half and our guys did just that," Head Coach Bryan Galuski said. "We still have some things to work on but I am proud of our guys' effort but it is just disappointing coming out on the wrong end."
 
The Pride had three players record over 20 points in the game. Marks led all scorers with 23 points, while also pulling down a team-leading nine rebounds. Phifer finished with 22 points and Minnis tallied 20 points. Keyford Langley posted a double double of 10 points and 10 assists.
 
The Greensboro men will return to action at 2 p.m. Sunday when they host Berea College. For more information on Greensboro College men's basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.