MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial struggled in its first game of the new year, falling to No. 8 Ave Maria 90-75 at the FMU Wellness Center. The Lions were down double-digits for most of the game, but managed to cut the lead to four points halfway through the second half. Ave Maria pulled away shortly after, and the Lions couldn't keep up with the Gyrenes for the rest of the game.

Junior Devin Carter led the team in scoring with 19 points, and co-lead in rebounds with five, alongside Sehmaj Mentor, while teammate Cameron Noel was close behind with 17 points and four rebounds. Mentor scored 11 points for FMU, while teammates Morgan Brewer and Petar Asceric chipped in eight points each.

The loss drops FMU to 9-6 on the year and 2-2 in conference play.

The Lions return to action Monday, January 5, when they'll host Florida National. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the FMU Wellness Center. Purchase your tickets using this link here. Students who show their student ID get free entry.

Follow Florida Memorial University Athletics on social media