ARLINGTON, Va. - The Marymount University men's basketball team fell short of a late second-half comeback to Wesley College on Saturday afternoon in the Converse Family Fieldhouse, 88-84, to open up the second half of Atlantic East Conference competition.

A tight game throughout had both teams work for four lead changes and five ties, while they totaled 100 points in just the second half. 

The first half showed the Saints open the scoring quick with a layup by junior Steve Etienne and three-pointer by senior Josh Giardina, eventually building up to a five-point advantage after two free throws by Etienne, 7-2. However, as the half continued, the Wolverines swayed the score into their favor slightly and carried a 38-34 lead into the locker room. 

Etienne almost had a perfect first half of play, knocking in 6-for-6 shooting and 2-for-3 at the free throw line for 14 points, while sophomore Xavier Reaves commanded the boards with seven rebounds. 

In the second half, Wesley grew its advantage to as high as 13 points with 5:24 remaining. But, the Saints didn't slow down, closing the gap to just two points with 42 seconds remaining with a 9-0 run capped off by two free throws by sophomore Miles Brown. 

Unfortunately, no more shots would fall for the Saints in the closing seconds, falling by just four points to the Wolverines. 

Etienne led all MU scorers with 23 points off 10-for-11 shooting, while Reaves chipped in 16 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds for a double-double. Seniors Taiga Walker and LaDarius McCord also had double-digit scoring days with 12 and 11 points, respectively. 

The men will look to bounce back with another conference matchup on Wednesday, February 5, hosting Cabrini University. Tip is set for 8 p.m.