AUGUSTA, GA – A three-pointer at the buzzer fell short and the Kentucky State University men's basketball team suffered a 77-74 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference loss to Paine College Wednesday. (Post game interview)

It's a tough loss considering the Thorobreds had all of the momentum when senior Ditalion Battle's (Cincinnati, OH) three-pointer at the buzzer capped a 26-2 run to end the first half, giving them a seven-point lead going into the break.

Kentucky State was 7-of-7 from the floor, including 5-of-5 from three-point range, during the five-minute run.

A three-pointer by senior Austin Sherrell (Detroit, MI) with 12:26 remaining pushed the KSU lead to double figures for the first time. However, Paine immediately scored eight consecutive to get back in the game.

KSU maintained its lead until a free throw with 2:43 left, and the lead exchanged hands six times down the stretch. The Lions, who attempted just two free throws in the first half, connected on 5-of-6 from the charity stripe down the stretch and paraded to the line 19 times in the final 20 minutes.

Battle led the team with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, seven assists and six rebounds. Sherrell added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, while senior Kevin Hayes (Detroit, MI) recorded 13 points.

Kentucky State (6-8 overall, 4-4 SIAC) steps away from conference action 6 p.m. January 9, hosting Fisk University.