MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (February 3, 2006)---The Milligan College men’s basketball team lost its seventh game in a row on Friday night, by a score of 62-59 to the University of Virginia at Wise Cavaliers, in Va., in Appalachian Athletic Conference action.

The loss comes despite two strong performances for the Buffs; one from junior Zach Dezarn (Franklin, Ohio), who had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and another from freshman Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.), who had 12 points and 15 rebounds.

The game was close for its entirety, and the Buffs were trailing by only one going into halftime with the score 32-31.

A three-pointer from guard Tino Washington (Lexington, Ky.) gave Milligan the lead with 5:36 remaining in the game.

The Buffs were unable to hang on however, and the Cavs went on for the win.

Leading the way for UVa.-Wise, were senior guard Parker Gemmel, who led all scorers with 21 points, and freshman center Zydrunas Rackauskus, who matched Barnes’ strong performance with a double-double of his own, tallying 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The loss drops the Buffs to 9-14 overall, and 3-12 in the AAC. UVa.-Wise improves to 10-15 overall and 6-10 in the conference.

Milligan will return to the court on Saturday, Feb. 4, in Grayson, Ky., versus Kentucky Christian University. That game will begin at 5 p.m.