WISE – The Cavs (9-13, 5-9 SAC) dropped a heartbreaking 70-68 loss to Tusculum (10-10, 8-6 SAC) Wednesday night. 

Tusculum's conference-leading three-point defense reared its ugly head against the Cavs. The Pioneers held UVA Wise to a season-low 3-of-12 (25 percent) from beyond the arc. Three makes, 12 attempts and 25 percent are all season lows from downtown for UVA Wise this season.

Still, the Cavs were close in the game all night long and held a lead with under 10 seconds. 

Sophomore guard Patrick Shelley, in just his second game back after missing 10 games due to injury, nailed a free-throw line jumper with 8 seconds left to give UVA Wise a 68-67 lead.

On the ensuing possession, Tusculum senior guard Connor Jordan was fouled while attempting a go-ahead three-pointer. Jordan made all three of his free throws to give the Pioneers a 70-68 lead. 

On the following inbound play, Tusculum graduate forward Jacob Hobbs tipped the inbound pass from Shelley to seal the win. 

The Cavs were led in scoring by junior guard Zy'Ever Wingfield with 15 points. Wingfield's scoring performance gives him his ninth double-digit outing in his last 10 games. 

Three other Cavaliers finished in double figures as redshirt sophomore Joe'l Pettiford had 13 points, junior forward Lav Cvetkovic had 12 points and Shelley also had 12. 

Tusculum also saw four scorers in double figures as Jordan and Hobbs each had 12 points while redshirt freshman guard Bryce Jackson and junior guard KJ Crump each added 10 points.

The Cavs will look for revenge as they welcome the Limestone Saints to town on Saturday. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. from the David J. Prior Convocation Center.