Park University's men's basketball program fell on the road to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. on Wednesday evening, 70-63.

The Pirates move to 4-5 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and 6-7 on the season, while the Ravens are now 4-9 and 3-7 in the Heart.

Two three-point baskets helped the Ravens get out to a 8-2 run to begin the game. The Pirates were able to find their rhythm a bit and after an Augusto Hausmann layup Park trailed 15-10. Four of Park's starters each had a bucket in the first six minutes of play. Park was held within a few possessions of the Ravens throughout the first 10 minutes and held a 22-16 lead at 10:02. Hudson got Park within five points at 7:49 with a two-pointer, 25-20, but the Ravens countered and eventually led 33-24 with 44 seconds remaining. That queued AJ Watson for a big time three-point make with 26 seconds to go in the half to get Park back within six points. Jasigha Barnes was able to score right before half as well as Park trailed 35-29.

An 8-4 run out of halftime gave Benedictine a 43-33 lead at 16:28. Not much was falling from behind the arc for the Pirates as a three-of-12 night did not bode well. Out of a Pirate timeout at 15:47, Jaden Robinson helped Park to a 4-0 run to cut the deficit back down to six, 43-37. At 11:48 Barnes made a three-point bucket to get Park within four points, 48-44, but a 6-0 run by Benedictine came in response to restore a 10-point lead. Watson helped turn the tide with a three-pointer and a pair of free-throws, but Benedictine always seemed to have an answer. This pattern remained true all the way until the bitter end as Benedictine held on 70-63.

Both teams were nearly identical from the field at 45.6-percent for Park and 45.5-percent for the Ravens. Benedictine had two more three-point makes than Park and had seven more made free-throws at 15-of-22 compared to only eight-of-15 for Park.

Turnovers were minimal by both sides, 12 for Park and eight for Benedictine. This translated to three more points for the Ravens, but a bigger difference was shown in points from the bench. The Ravens was supported by 15 points from their bench, while Park only managed two points of the same.

Four Pirates were in double-figure scoring, including the team leader with 20 points, Hudson. He was effective with seven-of-15 for the game and six-of-seven from the line.

Hausmann had an even 10 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Behind Hausmann in rebounds was Christian Bradford with a great showing of seven rebounds.  

Robinson and Watson played their roles well too with 12 points apiece. Watson was the key passer with seven assists.

Central Methodist University awaits Park in Fayette, Mo. on Saturday, January 3 at 4pm. WATCH
Box Score