HICKORY, N.C. — The Carson-Newman men’s basketball team couldn’t overcome a slow start as it dropped a 73-61 decision to Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday night at Shuford Gymnasium.

The Eagles fell behind by double digits early after going 1-for-11 from the floor in the first nine minutes of the contest and were never able to pull closer than seven points the rest of the way.

With the loss, C-N falls to 9-13 overall and 4-7 in South Atlantic Conference play. Lenoir-Rhyne improves to 5-17 on the season and 3-9 in the conference.

C-N shot 39.7 percent (23-of-58) for the game and made just 2-of-13 attempts from behind the arc. The Bears scored at a 47.2 percent (25-of-53) clip but were also just 2-of-13 from 3-point range.

Senior forward Tray Okoth (Richmond, Va.) netted 14 points to pace the Eagles, while seniors Jordan Dixon (Clinton, Tenn.) and Darron Maxtion (Huntsville, Ala.) tallied 11 points apiece in the loss.

Junior forward D.J. Blackmon (Albemarle, N.C.) fired in a game-high 23 points to lead four Bears in double figures. Jeff Thomas (Efland, N.C.) and Jon Hathcock (Concord, N.C.) tossed in 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Spenser Sydney (Lincolnton, N.C.) added 11 points.

The Eagles return home on Saturday for a matchup with SAC rival Tusculum. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at Holt Fieldhouse.