Box Score MOBILE, Ala.- The Ave Maria University men's basketball team suffered their first loss of the 2020-2021 season on Wednesday night, falling 86-81 to the Rams of the University of Mobile. The game was the first of a three-game, three-day, two-state road trip for the Gyrenes, who also have games scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Ave Maria found themselves in an early hole on Wednesday, as the Rams had a 14-7 lead just over six minutes into the contest, a lead that would increase to as many as nine points in the first half. The Gyrenes were able to battle their way back, taking their first lead since the opening moments on an Eric Klekas jumper with under two minutes to play. A three-pointer from Chayse Culpepper, followed by a Mobile free throw, allowed AMU to take a 41-38 lead into the halftime break. 

The Gyrenes scored the first five points of the second half, building their biggest lead of the game at eight points. That lead would last until the 14:21 mark, when Mobile again took the lead during a 19-6 run. Mobile's lead would grow as large as ten points in the fourth quarter, but Ave Maria would refuse to go away. 
Down ten with 5:04 left, the Gyrenes went on a 13-4 run to cut the Rams' lead to one with 23 seconds left. After two free throws from Mobile, AMU's chance at a game-tying three could not connect, and the Rams connected on two clinching free throws.

Two main categories proved to be fatal for the Gyrenes in their first road game of the season. The Rams held a 36-20 advantage in attempted free throws, as AMU was whistled for 29 fouls to 19 for Mobile. The Gyrenes were also forced into 20 turnovers, although the visitors were also able to force 16 Mobile turnovers to keep the game within striking distance. 

Three Gyrenes were in double figures in the losing effort, led by 21 points from Klekas. Chayse Culpepper added 19 points, while AMU's most efficient player was likely Matt Gillis, who scored 18 points on seven-of-nine shooting. Jose Sanchez pulled down nine rebounds off the bench. Mobile was led by 22 points and 13 rebounds from RJ Kelly.

AMU's roadtrip continues on Thursday afternoon, when the Gyrenes head to Pensacola for a meeting with Pensacola Christian College. Ave Maria has won both of the previous meetings with PCC, including a 116-80 victory in Pensacola last season. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 eastern, 3:00 central.