Box Score TIFTON - The Tennessee Southern Fireworks found the hot hand on a cold night in Tifton, shooting over 50 percent from the field and dealing ABAC's Stallions a 96-70 loss at Gressette Gym.

The Firehawks shot 60 percent in the first half, and were 8 of 13 from 3-point range, to build a 55-38 lead at intermission. Less than seven minutes into the second half, the visitors' lead grew to 30 points and the game was never in doubt. UTS capitalized on ABAC's mistakes, scoring 23 points off Stallion turnovers and outscoring the home team 40-22 inside. 

ABAC was also hampered by the absence of its leading scorer, freshman T.J. Smith who missed the game with an injury.

Junior guard Xavier Boyd led the Stallions with 18 points, including a heave from beyond halfcourt that dropped through the net at the halftime buzzer, and eight rebounds. Freshman guard Matthew Mairena added 17 points and freshman Bryce Wimberly had 11. Junior Zaiden Cross led a balanced Firehawks effort with 21 while Mike Bell scored 20 and Vito Vujovic added 19.

The Stallions are now 5-9 overall and 1-5 in the Southern States Athletic Conference. Saturday at 2 p.m. at Gressette Gym, they will host league rival Blue Mountain Christian. The Toppers from Mississippi are 8-11 overall and 1-7 in the conference.