SPARTANBURG, South Carolina – Converse University jumped out to a 14-5 lead in Monday evening's game in Weisiger Center. Converse University went on to defeat Livingstone College, 86-79. 

The Blue Bears drop to 4-5 in the season, while Converse University improves to 5-5.

Livingstone was led by De'Marr McCrae with 20 points. Followed by Detionne Leach with 16 points and seven rebounds. Pharoah Lassiter finished with 15 points. 

Converse University was paced by Uzziah Dawkins with 21 points. Bosko Bojovic followed with 16 points. Jordan Waelick finished with 12 points.

The Trojans took a nine-point lead at the 16-minute mark. The Blue Bears trailed the entire first half. Paul Tako pulled the Blue Bears within four at the six-minute mark, 27-23.

The Valkyries extended their lead to 10 with 3:39 left in the first half. The Blue Bears managed to get within six before halftime with a fast break pull-up jumper by Teon Tiller, 42-36. 

Coming out of halftime the Blue Bears cut the Valkyries' lead to two at the 13-minute mark, 54-52. The Valkyries took a 15-point lead with 4:41 left. The Blue Bears got back within five with 1:29 left in the second half. 

Pharoah Lassiter hit a three with six seconds left, 85-79. 

Livingstone would end the game shooting 48.3% (29-of-60). Converse would make 30-of-57 overall for 52.6 percent. The Valkyries shot 71.4% from the free-throw line (20 out of 28). The Blue Bears went 60.7% from the free-throw line 17-of-28.

Converse University outrebounded Livingstone, 38-34.

The Blue Bears will open up conference play by hosting Bowie State University, on December 15. The first tip is set for 7:30 p.m.