PINEVILLE, La. – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team dropped its third straight game, falling 65-63 to Louisiana College, on Saturday evening in American Southwest Conference action at the West Fieldhouse in Pineville, La.

The Cowboys broke open a game that had three ties and four lead changes with a 16-1 run in the first half to take a 29-20 lead in the first half and led 34-28 at halftime.

Justin Jones jumper with 13:01 to play gave the Cowboys a 45-37 lead with 13:01 to play. LC then started to chip away and took the lead for the first time on a Dillon Mandeville 3-pointer from 25 feet out with 4:29 to play at 59-58.

The Cowboys missed six of their last seven shots down the stretch and went 1-for-3 at the free throw line.

Derrick Jefferson led the Cowboys with 22 points and 10 rebounds and Justin Jones added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Anthony Gaines and Kevin Cottonham had 19 points each for the Wildcats.

HSU is now 16-5 on the year and 12-4 in ASC action. Louisiana College improved t0 11-8 overall and 11-5 in league play. HSU is tied with East Texas Baptist for the conference lead and will play the Tigers in Marshall on Thursday. 

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