BELLEVILLE, Ont. – The Lords came up just short in a tightly contested 78-76 loss to the Loyalist Lancers on Saturday afternoon on the road, dropping a game that featured multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish.
Durham faced an early test in the opening quarter as Loyalist built momentum behind strong shooting, taking a 23-15 lead after ten minutes. Durham responded in the second quarter with improved ball movement and energy on the defensive end, matching Loyalist 21-21 in the frame to trail 44-36 at halftime.
The visitors found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 27-15 and swinging the momentum back in their favour.
Rashane Smith and Jasean Elliott helped spark the run, while the Lords' defensive pressure led to transition opportunities and second-chance points. Heading into the final quarter, Durham held a narrow 63-59 advantage.
The fourth quarter remained back-and-forth throughout, with neither team able to create much separation. Durham maintained the lead for much of the period, extending it to eight points midway through the quarter, but Loyalist closed strong in the final minutes.
Individually, Smith led the Lords with 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists, shooting 9-for-15 from the field. Caleb Carter provided a strong offensive contribution off the bench, finishing with 14 points, including four three-pointers.
Javade Marne added 10 points and three rebounds, while Desson Spencer recorded eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds to anchor Durham on the glass. Rahsaan Chambers contributed five points and seven rebounds, and Rudy Fakih chipped in six points and a pair of assists.
Elliott contributed around the court with eight assists and three steals, helping guide Durham's offence and apply pressure defensively.
As a team, Durham shot 42.3% from the field and matched Loyalist from three-point range at 25 percent. The Lords controlled the rebounding battle 4434 and held advantages in points in the paint (46-30), bench scoring (34-21) and second-chance points (14-7).
With two games left on the regular season schedule, the Lords will host the Georgian Grizzlies on Wednesday, February 11 and the George Brown Huskies on Friday, February 13. Both games are set to tip-off at 8 p.m.
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