Melbourne, Florida – Shawnee State men's basketball dropped their opener at the Florida Tech Winter Classic on Monday afternoon, falling to Lynn (Fla.) 93-75.

The Fighting Knights would take the lead early and never trail, pushing their early lead out to 19-9 with 13 minutes to go in the half. Tamal Watkins (SO/Columbus, Ohio) would make a three with 3:37 to go to cut the lead to six points at 37-31, but the Bears would not be able to get any closer. Lynn would push the lead back out to 11, with EJ Onu (FR/Cleveland, Ohio)'s basket the only thing ensuring SSU a single digit deficit at half, 46-37.

The second half would begin much like the first, with Shawnee State staying in the game early in the period. However, Lynn would hold Shawnee State away, and the Fighting Knights would eventually push the lead out past 10 points. Lynn would lead by as many as 20 points late, controlling the late second half to come out 93-75 winners.

Four Bears would tie for the team lead in points. EJ Onu, Frederick Moore (SR/Cincinnati, Ohio), Jayllen Carter (SR/Portsmouth, Ohio) and Tamal Watkins would each finish with 12 points for SSU.

Jamal Palmer led Lynn with 23 points on 11-16 shooting. Kevin O'Brien had 17 points and Michael Baez 13.

The loss drops Shawnee State to 8-4 on the season. Lynn improves to 4-5.

Shawnee State ends their four game road trip to Florida on Tuesday evening when they take on Florida Tech in the final game of the Florida Tech Winter Classic. Tipoff is set for 6:00pm.