DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.—The Sunshine State awaited the Hamline University men's basketball team on Friday night, when they squared off against Wilkes at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. A 29-point performance from Bradley Cimperman, as well as a double double 14 points and 10 rebounds from Austin Holt weren't enough as the Colonels led from start-to-finish in an 81-76 victory over the Pipers.

Hamline falls to 5-4, while Wilkes improves to 10-1.

Wilkes 81, Hamline 76

Wilkes took their largest lead of the game at 50-31 with 18:42 left in the second half, where Hamline outscored them 45-35. This resulted in a pair of three-point deficits down the stretch. The latest occasion occurred off Sam Hoffman's three-point basket with 4:47 remaining in the second half that cut the Colonels' advantage to 66-63. Hamline, who shot 26-of-52 (.500) from the field and held a 28-27 advantage in rebounds, couldn't inch any closer in an 81-76 loss.

Wilkes had four players in double figures, led by Cayden Merrifield's 23 points. Trent Fisher paced the Colonels with five assists and two steals to go with 20 points.

Hamline will face Centre at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida tomorrow, Saturday, December 30 at 4 p.m. (ET).