JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman men’s basketball team struggled to stop Tusculum and senior guard Kyle Moore (Gainesville, Fla.) on Saturday night, as the Eagles dropped a 77-51 decision to the Pioneers in South Atlantic Conference action at Holt Fieldhouse.

Tusculum turned in its second best shooting performance of the season by scoring at a 60 percent (24-of-40) clip. Moore led the way with a game-high 39 points on 12-of-18 shooting. He was also 12-of-12 from the charity stripe.

With the loss, the Eagles fall to 9-14 on the season and 4-8 in the conference. The Pioneers improve to 14-10 overall and 8-5 in SAC play.

The Eagles shot just 39.6 percent (19-of-48) from the floor. Senior forward Tray Okoth (Richmond, Va.) paced C-N with 10 points, while Jordan Dixon (Clinton, Tenn.), Cameron Sharp (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Darron Maxtion (Huntsville, Ala.) tossed in eight points each in the loss.

Jimmy Boone (Greeneville, Tenn.) and Wes Taylor (Oregon, Ohio) added 10 points apiece for Tusculum.

The Eagles trailed 12-10 eight minutes into the contest, but Tusculum took control of the game with a 12-0 run capped off by a Taylor layup with 6:50 left in the first half.

Moore sank three free throws at the end of the half to give the Pioneers a 35-20 cushion heading into the locker room.

Tusculum put the game away early in the second half, as Moore converted a three-point play at the 14:10 mark to give the Pioneers a 47-23 lead. The Eagles were unable to pull closer than 18 points the rest of the way.

C-N returns to action at home on Wednesday against Brevard. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Holt Fieldhouse.