PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Lander men's basketball team trimmed an 18-point first-half deficit to five points in the second half, but couldn't keep the momentum going as the Bearcats dropped a Peach Belt Conference game to UNC Pembroke, 80-62, Monday night at the English E. Jones Center.

UNCP improves to 7-4 overall and 1-1 in the PBC, while Lander slips to 4-3, 0-2.

Lander placed three players in double figures led by David Pruett's game-high 21 points. Pruett connected on 7-of-14 field goals, including 4-of-7 threes and 3-of-5 foul shots. Jareal Smith added 16 points and Dermaine Smith recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

UNCP's George Blakeney had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while K.J. Cooper added 17 points. Jihad Wright hauled down nine rebounds.

The Bearcats connected on 24-of-55 field goals (43.6 percent), including 4-of-14 threes (28.6 percent) and 10-of-21 free throws (47.6 percent).

The Braves made 33-of-77 floor shots (42.9 percent), including 10-of-27 threes (37.7 percent) and 4-of-10 foul shots (40 percent).

The Bearcats hung close to the Braves most of the first half until UNCP threw in a 12-5 run at the midway point to take a 28-17 lead at 10:28 on a Cooper three pointer.

UNCP stretched the margin to 47-29 on a Griffin Pittman three with 46 seconds left in the first stanza, but Pruett closed the half with a three at the buzzer.

Lander opened the second half with a 16-7 run to cut the margin to 54-49 with 16:49 left in the game on Dermaine Smith's dunk.

The Braves went on a 17-2 scoring spree to take a 71-51 lead with 10:17 left to play and Lander wasn't able to get under it under double figures from there.