BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Huntingdon College men's basketball team beat Methodist University, 88-80, in the first game of the Birmingham-Southern Christmas Classic on Friday evening. The Hawks lead 39-37 at the half, and shot an impressive 84 percent (26-of-31) from the free throw line in the win.

The Hawks fell down 8-0, before senior Ephriam Hudson hit a three-pointer to cut the Monarch's early lead to five points. Huntingdon took the lead, 13-12, with 12:18 left in the first half, from a pair of free throws by senior Adrian Williams. The Hawks were nearly perfect from the free throw line in the first half, shooting 10-of-12 (83.3 percent) to Methodist's 40 percent (2-of-5).

The Monarchs regained the lead, 16-15, with 10:38 in the first period, but the Hawks responded with a 10-0 run. During the run, Hudson accounted for eight of the ten points, including two three-pointers giving Huntingdon a nine point lead, 25-16. The Hawks' kept the lead into the half at 39-37.

In the second half, Methodist's only lead came by one point with 16:48 on the clock. The Hawks responded with a 5-0 run and never gave up the lead in the rest of the second half for the 88-80 victory.

Senior Ephriam Hudson paced the team with a season-high 28 points, including 5-of-10 from the three point line. Seniors Adrian Williams and Jack Montgomery added 18 and 16 points, respectively. Senior James Daniels led the Hawks with 9 rebounds, followed by Montgomery's 8 in the win.

Despite the loss, Methodist held a 46-40 advantage on the glass. The Monarchs' converted 45 percent of its shots, hitting 32-of-71, while Huntingdon finished 27-of-67 (40%).

Methodist (2-7) was led by Bryan Hockaday with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the loss, followed by Josh Hayes' 15 points.

Huntingdon (4-5) is set to play host team, Birmingham-Southern (5-1), on Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Birmingham-Southern Christmas Classic. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. Live stats will be available at www.bscsports.net.