El Cajon, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2010) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team wrapped up a two-game California road trip on Thursday night as they fell 81-71 to San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, Calif.

The Buffs came out firing on all cylinders as they opened the game on a 13-2 run to take an 11 point lead five minutes into the contest. During the run, Hudson Fricke (Greeneville, S.C.) recorded five points. The Hawks clawed their way back as they tied the game midway through the first half. However, Tim Harper (Catawba, N.C.) drained a 3-pointer with 8:57 remaining in the first half to put Milligan up seven points. San Diego Christian closed the period on a 10-0 run as they took a 44-37 lead into halftime.

The second half saw the Buffs fight their way back into the game as Tyler DeVault (Kingsport, Tenn.) put Milligan back in front with 11:32 remaining in the game with a free throw and layup. The Hawks ran back out to a seven point lead with eight minutes showing on the clock. The Buffs cut the deficit and tied the game with a Harper 3-pointer with two minutes left in the game. However, the Buffs were unable to get back the lead before the final horn sounded.

Fricke led the Buffs with 28 points. Harper added 15 points, while former Dobyns-Bennett standout Justin Sylvester (Kingsport, Tenn.) had 10 points and seven rebounds.

As a team, Milligan was 28-of-51 (55%) from the floor and 7-of-22 (32%) from behind the arc. The Hawks were 27-of-59 (46%) from the field and 11-of-27 (41%) from behind the 3-point line.

With the loss, Milligan moves to 3-8 on the season.

The Buffs return to action after Christmas when they travel Durham, N.C., for an exhibition game with North Carolina Central University on Wednesday, Dec. 29. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.