RIO GRANDE, Ohio - The NAIA Division II #15 Yellow Jackets nearly erased a 15-point deficit in the final minute, but fell short to Division I #14 Cumberlands (Ky.), 90-85, to begin the schedule at the Rio Grande Classic.

Cedarville trailed 88-73 with 52 seconds left and 88-78 after Chris Beals drained a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining. He stole the inbounds pass and found Matt Harner, who was fouled upon nailing an open triple with 12.6 points to go. His rare four-point play made it 88-82.

The Patriots committed a foul on the inbounds play and the Jackets cut the difference to 88-85 on a Brandon Sok three-ball with still 10.5 seconds remaining. Cumberlands threw the ball away yet again attempting to get the ball in play, but Beals missed an open 22-footer with 4.5 seconds to go. The Patriots, 2-0, sealed the outcome with two free throws.

Ricardo Alliman exploded for a career-high 36 points to lead all scorers to go along with nine rebounds. Harner chipped in 16 markers, Adam Riehle hauled down nine boards, and Derrick Hannon dished out eight assists.

Cedarville shot 57 percent from the field and controlled the boards, 28-21. However, Cumberlands made 58.5 percent of its shots and committed eight fewer turnovers. [STATS]