MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner put together multiple runs but never could get within striking distance Friday night as it fell 85-73 to Talladega in the semifinals of the SSAC Men's Basketball Championship. The Eagles put together a run to cut a double-digit deficit to 35-31 with 1:20 remaining in the first half. Talladega called a timeout and hit two threes coming out of it to send the game to the half up 41-31. Faulkner scarcely got back in it in the second half as Talladega matched every flourish to put the game away.

The Eagles shot 51 percent from the floor but turned the ball over 15 time leading to a 21-4 advantage for Talladega in points off turnovers. The Tornadoes also hit 14 of 23 free throws as compared to nine of 15 for Faulkner.

Jalon Perry scored 32 points on the strength of 14 made field goals in the contest. Daniel Garmendia had 19 points in the effort.

Faulkner (24-6) will host the NAIA Opening Round Montgomery Bracket Friday, March 11. Teams for the bracket are set to be announced Wednesday night.