FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – A valiant comeback effort fell short as the Marian University men's basketball team fell to visiting Finlandia University, 90-77, in non-conference action at Sadoff Gymnasium this evening, Jan. 4.

The Lions led by as many as 25 points when they led 57-32 with 16:17 remaining in the game, but the Sabres battled back. A 15-3 run ensued to cut the deficit to 60-47. Then a 16-6 run made it a five-point game, 73-68, with more than six minutes left in the contest. But the Lions pulled away late, staving off the Sabres down the stretch and coasting to the 13-point win.

Marian junior Jeff Harris led all scorers and four Sabres in double-figures with 23 points on 8-of-23 shooting in 32 minutes. Sophomore Cody Veleke added 22 points, 11 rebounds on 7-of-15 from the field in 33 minutes. The Lions put four in double-figures as well, led by Keith Arnold's 20 points. Chase Leskela added 17, while Jonathon Moore and Anthony Grandberry each tallied 16.

Finlandia improves to 6-12 on the season, while the Sabres fall to 2-9.

Marian found itself down 44-27 at halftime after turning the ball over 11 times, resulting in 16 points for the visitors. A 50-point second half output couldn't quite make up the deficit as the Lions shot 57.1 percent (16-for-28) in the second half.

Marian will look to rebound tomorrow night as it hosts Northland in the second game of a doubleheader with the women. Head Coach Mark Boyle will seek career win \#300 on the Sabres' home floor. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.