WILLIAMSBURG, K.Y. (Oct. 28, 2017) â€" Junior Tyler Nichols led the Milligan College men's basketball team with 14 points in their 2017-2018 season opener at the University of the Cumberlands on Saturday afternoon. The Buffaloes dropped their first game to the Patriots 101-87.

"I am encouraged by today's game. We competed well against a very competitive Cumberlands team," Head Coach Bill Robinson said.

Following directly behind Nichols was sophomore point guard Daxton Bostian with 13 points and fellow junior Aaron Levarity and freshman Trey Johnsen with 12 apiece. Milligan's leading rebounder was Levarity with six and junior Jacob Cawood with five.

With four minutes remaining in the first half, senior Will Robinson made a three pointer to tie the game 37-37. From then on the Patriots took off scoring 16 points in comparison to the Buffs' five points putting the U of Cumberlands at an 11 point lead at the half. Milligan trailed in the second half and pushed to come within seven points with 11:48 left to go in the game.

"If the Patriots hadn't made 18 3's, I think it could have been a different outcome," Robinson said.

Despite trailing by 21 at one point, the Buffs remained competitive and cut the deficit down to 14 points, (101-87 final). Overall, Milligan had four less turnovers than the Patriots (12-8).

"I am excited about the season. The guys will be ready to play Wednesday at Warren Wilson," Robinson said.

The Buffs will travel to Warren Wilson College on Wednesday, Nov. 1, for another nonconference contest. The game time is set at 7:30 p.m.