CLINTON----Lander's Jarred Jackson scored a game-high 24 points Wednesday night, but it was not enough as the Bearcats men's basketball team lost its season-opening game to Presbyterian, 69-63, in a non-conference contest at the Templeton Center.

Jackson, Lander's only scorer in double figures, connected on 7-of-16 field goals (2-of-6 three pointers) and 8-of-11 free throws. Michael Griffin added eight points and three steals, while Scottie Smith grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Blue Hose were led by Bryan Bostic's 15 points and nine rebounds.  Grant Herren and Sean Dixon scored 11 points each for PC.

Presbyterian opened the game by scoring the taking a 7-0 lead, holding Lander scoreless for almost four minutes before Brenton Harris scored the Bearcats' first basket at 16:11.

Lander rallied throughout the first 20-minute period by connecting on 15-of-29 shots for 51.7 percent, but trailed, 40-38, at halftime.

Jackson nailed a three-point shot at the outset of the second half to give the Bearcats a 41-40 lead. It would be the last lead of the evening for Lander as Presbyterian went on a 11-0 run to take a 51-41 lead.

The Bearcats would get as close as five at 68-63 in the final minute of the game.

For the game, Lander made 23-of-51 field goals for 45.1 percent and was 11-of-17 from the free throw line for 64.7 percent. PC was 25-of-54 from the field (46.3 percent) and 11-of-16 from the free throw line (68.8 percent).

Lander, which connected on 15 three pointers in a 70-68 exhibition win over The Citadel last week, was 6-of-16 from the three-point line, while the Blue Hose made 8-of-19 threes.

Lander will play host to Southern Wesleyan in the Bearcats' home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday in Horne Arena.