MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | No. 25 Florida Memorial dropped their first contest of the year, falling 95-86 to No. 18 The Master's (Calif.) at the FMU Wellness Center.

"We've got to play more connected," said first year head coach Delano Thomas, whose Lions shot 0-for-6 from downtown in the opening half while giving up nine 3-pointers. As a team FMU produced a total of five scorers in double figures, including a team-high 16 points from guard Derrius Ward to go along with three assists, one block and one steal while teammate Raheem Carter finished with 14 points, eight boards, one assist and one block.

FMU post player Latavious Mitchell filled the stat sheet, generating 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal, but finished with four turnovers in the loss. Lion guards Evan Busby and Jaiden Guice chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively, but it wasn't enough as the Mustangs nailed another seven 3-pointers in the latter half to pull away.

The loss brings Florida Memorial to 8-1 on the season while The Master's improve to 6-1.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, December 2 as they face Fort Lauderdale. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. in Lauderhill, Fla.