ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The Lander men's basketball team's furious rally over the last seven minutes fell short Saturday afternoon as the Bearcats lost to Flagler College, 79-77, in a Peach Belt Conference game at Flagler College.

Flagler improves to 6-7 overall and 2-4 in the PBC, while Lander moves to 6-7, 1-5.

Down 70-58 with 6:24 left in the game, Lander went on a 15-4 scoring spree to cut the margin to 74-73 with 2:54 left in the game.

During the scoring drive, David Pruett connected on a pair of three pointers, Darius Carrier had a tip-in, Jareal Smith sank two free throws, Scott Elder nailed a three and Jamal Branco dropped a pair of free throws.

Flagler responded with a a pair of free throws by Ante Gospic to stretch its lead to 76-73 with 2:08 left to play. Lander cut the margin to one point on two other occasions -- 76-75 and 78-77 -- both on Jareal Smith baskets, but the Saint were able to hold on down the stretch.

For Lander, Jareal Smith netted a game-high 26 points on 11-of-19 field goals, including 1-of-2 threes and 3-of-5 free throws. Pruett added 16 points and seven rebounds, Darius Carrier 12 points and six rebounds, and Elder 11 points and six rebounds.

Flager was led by Gospic, who scored 19 points. Adam Jones added 15 points and five rebounds, while Matt Clark had 11 points.

Lander connected on 29-of-61 field goals (47.5 percent), including 8-of-17 threes (47.1 percent), and 11-of-13 free throws (84.6 percent).

Flagler made 27-of-50 floor shots (54 percent), including 10-of-23 threes (43.5 percent), and 15-of-20 foul shots (75 percent).

Lander outrebounded Flagler, 35-23.

After a 2-2 tie to open the game, Flagler went on a 11-4 run to take a 13-6 lead with 15:36 left in the first half.

Lander answered with a 9-1 scoring spree to take a 15-14 advantage with 12:13 left on Chidozie Omile's three pointer.

Flagler got back on top at 16-15 on Quayshad Williams' layup with 11:45 left and led the remainder of the half, closing out with a 44-39 intermission advantage.

The two teams traded baskets most of the second half until Flagler posted its first double-figure lead at 68-58 with 8:12 left to play. The Saints stretched the lead to 70-58 on Adam Jones' jumper with 6:24, then Lander went to work.