BRISTOL, Tenn. — The Panthers suffered an 80-75 Conference Carolinas loss Wednesday night on the road against King University at King’s Student Center Complex.

Ferrum (12-8 overall, 10-4 Conference Carolinas) jumped out to a strong start and led by as many as 13 points early before King (8-12, 6-6 CC) chipped away and took control in the second half.

The Panthers built momentum in the first period behind inside scoring and free throws by sophomore  Rodrigo Farias, who helped Ferrum take a 26-13 lead about six minutes into the game. By halftime, King had trimmed the gap, and the score was 33-27 at the break.

King opened the second half with a big run, outscoring Ferrum early to take a 45-40 lead. Ferrum responded with an 11-2 run that tied the game at 60-60 when senior Gerren Jones was fouled and hit two free throws with about 6½ minutes left.

With the game tied and both teams trading baskets, King began to pull away down the stretch. The Tornado finished the game on a 13-8 run in the final minutes to secure the five-point win.

Jones once again led Ferrum in scoring with 33 points, including 20 of 22 free throws. He also hit clutch baskets to keep the Panthers in the game. Senior Alfredo Abel-Rivera added 12 points and 10 rebounds, earning a double-double, and Rodrigo Farias scored 11 points. Senior Abdulh Diaby contributed 9 points.

For King, Jalen Royster led all scorers with 22 points, while Lenier Pocknett recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Xavier Betancourt scored 14.