DAYTON, Tenn. - Union College was dealt a blow in its bid to land one of the top four seeds for next week's Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament as host Bryan (Tenn.) College recorded a 63-51 victory Tuesday.

The loss dropped Union to 18-11 overall and 8-9 in league play, while Bryan improved to 11-17 on the year and 5-12 in the AAC. Union is in a battle with Milligan (Tenn.) College, Montreat (N.C.) College, UVa-Wise and Tennessee Wesleyan College for the third and fourth seeds.

Neither team got off to a good start as Union and Bryan combined to shoot 34.7 percent (17-of-49 shots) from the field. Only five Bulldogs cracked the scoring column in the opening period, while the Lions took a 25-20 lead into the half.

Bryan outscored Union 38-31 in the second half to seal the victory.

Union struggled from the field, making just 35.8 percent (19-of-53 shots) from the field and 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) from long range. Meanwhile, Bryan wasn't much better as it hit 37.7 (20-of-53) of its shots and was 4-of-21 (19.0 percent) behind the 3-point arc. Both teams did better at the foul line with Union connecting on 10-of-13 free throws (76.9 percent) and Bryan making 19-of-27 (70.4 percent) from the line.

Union did receive 31 bench points, but only Michael Hester (Independence, Ky) scored in double figures as he netted 10 points. Aaron Dunaway (Lexington, Ky.) and Kearney Demus (Carlisle, Ky.) each chipped in eight points.

For Bryan, Charles Lyttle set the tone with 14 points, while Damond Craig and Cody Christopher scored 12 and 11 points, respectively. Mike Lyttle registered a double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Union will wrap up the regular season Saturday at UVa-Wise. The tip is slated for 4 p.m.

Bulldog Notes

• Union is 0-4 on the season when scoring under 60 points in a game.
• The loss snapped Union's two-game winning streak.
• Union is now 2-2 when the margin of victory is 11-15 points.