LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- Brian Clarke had 17 points and Rashawn Speas had 14 points as Ferrum College dropped its USA South men's basketball opener to league newcomer Covenant College.

Chris Boyd had 15 points and Ben Phelps had 13 points for the Scots (6-5, 1-0 USA South). Ferrum led 33-31 at halftime, only to see Covenant take the second half 40-35. The Panthers shot 46% from the floor, to Covenant's 40%. The Scots out-rebounded Ferrum 38-35.

Ferrum (3-7, 0-1 USA South) returns to action Saturday, Jan. 4, at Maryville College. The USA South doubleheader starts at 2:00 p.m. with the women's game, and the men follow at 4:00 p.m.