MONTGOMERY, W.Va. -- An 18-point second half deficit proved to be too much for the Lindsey Wilson College men's basketball team to overcome as the Blue Raiders fell 66-62 beating host West Virginia University Tech on Thursday at the Baisi Athletic Center.

The No. 18-ranked Blue Raiders trailed 32-19 at the half and fell behind by as many as 18 points before mounting a comeback.

Lindsey Wilson (21-7, 6-5 in the Mid-South Conference) made seven three-pointers in the second half -- after missing all four of its attempts in the first half -- to fuel the run. The Blue Raiders climbed within one (61-60) inside two minutes, but were unable to get over the top en route to the four-point loss.

The Blue Raiders proved to be their own worst enemy. Lindsey Wilson committed 27 turnovers -- leading to 24 Tech points -- and hit just 9-of-21 from the free throw line. They finished the game shooting a higher percentage from the field, hitting more field goals and three-pointers. Lindsey Wilson also out-rebounded the Golden Bears 41-36.

Tech outscored the Blue Raiders 19-9 from the free throw line to earn the season split.

Lindsey Wilson junior Eric McPherson finished with game-high 27 points. He added 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

Three Golden Bears (20-9, 6-5) finished with double figures led by Daryl Slack's 17 points.

Lindsey Wilson returns to action at 4 p.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 28, as the Blue Raiders host St. Catharine (Ky.) College in the regular season finale at Biggers Sports Center.