Falcons Suffer First Loss of Season

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Florida College Falcons lost a close one, 77-82, to the University of Tennessee-Southern Firehawks on Saturday afternoon in Brewer Sports Center on Freed-Hardeman's campus.

The Falcons did a pretty good job keeping UT-Southern's leading scorers in check, holding Adarion Hudson and Kavion Hancock to 21 points combined. However, they let role players Cam Welch (5 PPG) and Mohamed ElGohary (8 PPG) combine for 50 points in the contest.

The Falcons shot 50% from the field and 39% from three, compared to just 40% from the field from UT-Southern and 30% from three. However, a 16 to 8 advantage on the offensive glass and a 94% to 59% advantage at the free-throw line were all the Firehawks needed to earn the win.

The Falcons were led in scoring by Matt Simpson with 25 points. Chinedu Okonkwo added 13 to round out the double-figure scorers.

"We just didn't bring it today," said Head Coach Chase Teichmann. "It's unacceptable, especially against a good team like UT-Southern. Their coaching staff did a great job and their players played harder than we did for the majority of the game. They earned the win. We, unfortunately, have to learn from it and improve to not let it happen again. Everybody took accountability in their part, so I am confident we will bounce back."

The Falcons drop to 6-1 on the season. Next, they'll take on the Welch College Flames in Nashville, Tenn., on November 18 at 8 PM (ET).