Junior Raymond Baka scored a game-high 25 points but the VTSU men's basketball team was left seeking their first win of 2024 with an 80-78 nailbiter on Tuesday night at Carter Gym.

Baka shot 12-of-17 from the field to lead all scorers. Sophomore Mohammed Semega added 15 points with six rebounds and six assists while Maleek View chipped in 14 points to join him in double-figure scoring.

The VTSU Badgers took an early 7-0 lead after View followed a triple with a steal and jump shot, but the UMA Moose rallied to lead 44-38 at the break.

During a back-and-forth second half, the Badgers pushed the pace, outscoring UMA 40-36, cutting the deficit to 0 with 24 seconds remaining. Despite this effort, UMA's buzzer-beating jumper sealed the gamed for the Moose.

VTSU returns to their home floor at Carter Gym on Friday, January 12 and welcomes Husson University for a 4 p.m. tip-off.