TIFTON, Ga. - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College began a chilly Saturday red hot against Life University, but the Running Eagles, undefeated in Southern States Athletic Conference play, turned things around for an 88-76 win.

Saturday started off as the Stallions' day. 

Tommie Hall landed a three-pointer for a 3-1 lead at 17:39 and their advantage grew from there. 

DeAli Thompson and Charly Guentio scored in the paint and Hall continued to be hot from the field as ABAC went up 20-9 at 11:35 in the opening half.

Life regrouped and whittled down the Stallions' lead to 23-22 at 8:44. Matthew Mairena free throws built it back to 28-24, but the Running Eagles were in a groove and turned the score in their favor, 40-37, at intermission.

The Stallions started the second half with momentum, narrowing the gap to a single point on a layup by Bryce Wimberly. However, Life surged from there, outscoring ABAC 18-8 in a span of six minutes.

Up 11 points at 58-47, the Running Eagles were able to keep on cruise control. Life expanded the lead to 16 points at various points of the second half - and briefly as many as 18 points. 

ABAC finished the afternoon on a 6-0 surge with Chaste Appling winding up scoring with 20 seconds to go.

Hall scored 25 points for the Stallions and pulled down 6 rebounds. Mairena ended with 15 points and 7 assists. Wimberly and Thompson each netted 9 points.

The Stallions were a sparkling 21-of-24 from the free throw line and 7-of-12 from beyond the arc.

ABAC was shorthanded most of the game after P.J. Mathews was injured two minutes in. 

Now 4-5, the Stallions were to take on Beacon College Monday in Florida. That is ABAC's last game until Jan. 3, 2026, when they make up a conference game at Thomas University. ABAC won't be at home again until Jan. 15 against Loyola.