MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial University used a 13-0 run to erase a nine-point halftime deficit to outscore their opponent 36-21 en route to an upset victory over No. 18 Ave Maria 69-63 at the FMU Wellness Center.

"During the halftime break I told my team we were playing how we practice at moments this week," said FMU head men's basketball coach Delano Thomas. "I talked to them about playing for each other. About playing for the name on our chest and not the one on our back. We knew we had to defend and rebound to win the game, and we just needed to stop worrying about our offense."

The Lions responded, clamping down on the NAIA's 18th ranked team in the country, holding their high-powered offense to a season-low 21 points in a half, connecting on just 7-of-24 shots (29 percent) in the latter half.

Sharpshooter Calvin Payton led all scorers with 19 points, hitting five three-pointers while senior leader Latavious Mitchell produced a double-double, scoring 11 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing out six assists. Teammate Terrin Hamilton added 12 points and eight rebounds in the victory, which lifts FMU to 9-4 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.

The Lions took full advantage of the Gyrenes miscues, scoring 26 points off of 17 Ave Maria turnovers.

FMU returns to the court on Wednesday, January 8 as they face Webber International. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Babson Park, Fla.