Sophomores Will Lewis and Justin Flatt came off the bench for UTM (2-3) and sparked the Skyhawks’ effort against host Evansville (3-1) Wednesday night in Roberts Stadium.

Unfortunately the sparks were not enough to help the Skyhawks overcome a 13-0 run by Evansville.

The Aces closed out the first half with six unanswered points and then opened the second half with seven more unanswered points. Despite a one-point difference in the second-half scoring, the Skyhawks fell 81-74 to the Aces.

Lewis scored 15 points and had 11 rebounds. Flatt knocked down nine points, three three-pointers.

“It’s nice to see Will Lewis and Justin Flatt play up to their potential,” said Bret Campbell, the Skyhawks’ head coach.

The Skyhawks exchanged baskets through the first half with the Aces until the two-minute mark when the Aces put up six unanswered points to claim a 36-30 at the break.

Evansville stretched the lead to 13 points early in the second half, while the Skyhawks trimmed it to five points three times.

“Our effort was much improved,” Campbell said.

The Skyhawks’ defensive pressure forced 20 turnovers.

Junior Jared Newson led the Skyhawks with 22 points, while Earl Bullock finished the game with 11 points.

Like Flatt, Bullock canned three three-pointers, all in the second half. Evansville had four double-digit scorers. Lucious Wagner led the pack with 23 points. He shot 60 percent from the field and 80 percent at the free thrown line.

The Skyhawks return to action when they travel to Jonesboro to face host Arkansas State. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.