Despite four Lions in double figures, A&M-Commerce could not overcome the 55.4% shooting from the field of visiting Abilene Christian, who defeated the Lions, 102-90 on Saturday afternoon at the A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Lions (5-10) got a season and career-high 24 points from senior Lance Jackson and 22 more from senior Scooby Johnson in the loss. The duo was joined in double figures by senior Champ Sylvester, who added 12 and senior Leonard Bishop, who chipped in 10.

Abilene Christian (12-2) had five players in double figures in the win, including Dejan Sencanski, who scored a game-high 32. He was joined by Marko Nikolic and Cameron Holson, who each added 15, Corwin Ragland added 14 and Brandon Callahan chipped in 10.

Despite the loss, the Lions were hot shooting from the field, as well. A&M-Commerce shot a season-best 54.8% from the field. Despite the blistering percentage from the field, A&M-Commerce was held without a three pointer for the first time all season.

Like the Lions, Abilene Christian shot the ball well from the field, making 55.4% (31-of-56); in addition, they made 11 more free throw attempts and connected on seven three pointers in the win.

After a three pointer by the Wildcats tied the game at 26 with 6:10 left in the opening half, the Lions went back in front on a Sylvester lay up. The Lions held the halftime advantage for the 15th-consecutive game, leading 38-35. At the break, the Lions had outscored the Wildcats, 24-to-8 on points in side the paint and 10-0 on second-chance efforts.

To start the second half, A&M-Commerce extended its lead to seven, 42-35; on back-to-back lay ups by Johnson and Derrick Darkis. The Wildcats managed to claw back to tie the game at 50 and the two teams would stay tied on six more occasions until Nikolic put Abilene Christian back in front, 63-61, with 11:12 left in the contest. ACU would lead for the remainder of the contest on the strength of a 13-5 run to blow the contest wide open. During most of the run, A&M-Commerce was playing without the services of Johnson. The senior picked up two quick early fouls to start the second half.

Down the stretch, the Lions would be able to cut the deficit to as little as four, 88-84, with 1:42 left in the game. However, Abilene Christian scored seven unanswered points to extend the margin back to double digits, 95-84 with 1:07 remaining and to halt any come-from-behind efforts by A&M-Commerce.

Next, the Lions will turn its attention towards the rigors of the Lone Star Conference North Division. A&M-Commerce will travel to Edmond, Oklahoma on Wednesday to face Central Oklahoma at 8:00 p.m.