The men's basketball team lost to Maryville College at Emory University in the opening game of their annual Thanksgiving Classic, 81-75. Despite building an early 7 point lead, the Petrels trailed 39-34 at the break and could not get over the hump in the second stanza en route to the loss.

The Petrels broke out on top at the onset and held a 7 point advantage with 12:21 to play before the Scots went on a blistering run to open up a 10 point cushion at the 3:00 minute mark. The Scots settled on the 39-34 halftime advantage and pushed the lead into double-digits again in the second half before Oglethorpe made a late surge.

On three occasions with less than 5 minutes remaining, Oglethorpe held the ball and trailed by only two. On the first possesion, Alec Pitts rushed a three-pointer that went awry. On their second chance, Joe Kennedy's deep three from the corner came off the rim and into the hands of the Scots. On their third chance to tie the game, this time with less than 60 seconds left, the Petrels forced a turnover only to turn it right back to the Scots after Christian Molinet dribbled the ball off a Scot heel.

Todd Ward led the way for Oglethorpe in the loss with 18 points, 6 rebounds and five assists. Kennedy netted 15 points and 5 boards while Pitts and Erik Strong notched 11 points apiece.

With the result Oglethorpe is 2-2 on the season and will close out the 2010 Thanksgiving Classic tomorrow against LaGrange at Emory at 2:00 p.m.