SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts- The American International College men's basketball team was looking to brings their overall record back to .500 against the Penmen of Southern New Hampshire. Despite only shooting 13 free throws, the Yellow Jackets made it close, but fell 79-72.

AIC had four players in double digits. Bruce Spruell led the team in points, rebounds, and assists with 18, 10, and three. Tahlib Swan scored 14 points and pulled down five boards. Rounding out the double digit scorers were Javyon Pitts-Young and Juwan Moody with 13 and 12 respectively.

The Penmen started the game by scoring the first five points, a three followed by two at the line. The Yellow Jackets got on board with a three from Swan 11 seconds after the Penmen free throws. At the 17 minute mark, AIC took their first lead on a Justin Daniel layup, 8-7. The score was 25-25 when Penmen Chris Walters hit a three to give them the lead with six minutes left in the half. At the end of the first half, the Penmen had the edge, 41-35.

It took nearly four minutes into the second half for the Yellow Jackets to tie the game at 47. The Penmen quickly took that away as they knocked down two free throws on their next possession. Seven and a quarter was on the clock in the game when the Penmen tied the game at 64. Andrew Daquaise of SNHU laid in a fast break bucket and drew the foul on their next possession and gave the Penmen the 67-64 advantage.

The Penmen controlled the game for the last six and a half minutes. The Yellow Jackets brought the Penmen's lead to two twice but unfortunately could never get any closer.

The Yellow Jackets travel to Franklin Pierce on Wednesday, January 11 for a 7:30 p.m. tip off with the Ravens.