MIDWAY, Ky. - Midway was unable to recover from a sluggish offensive first half and a late rally attempt fell short in a 73-66 season-opening loss to Union Commonwealth (Ky.) in non-conference men's basketball.

The Eagles went a stretch of 8:45 without a made field goal in the first half while making just 8-of-34 (23 percent) from the floor in the opening 20 minutes.

Despite this, they still led 19-18 on an Amari Wales 3-pointer.

But shooting struggles continued, and the Bulldogs eventually made Midway pay on the other end. Drew Rhodes answered Wales' triple with one of his own as Union proceeded to go on a 17-3 run to take a 13-point lead before a Sarvell Barksdale 3-pointer just before the break got the Eagles within 35-25.

Barksdale's shot appeared to give the Eagles momentum, as they scored five quick points in the opening minute of the second half, all by Maurice Washington Williams.

That was the start of a great offensive half for Washington Williams, who scored 14 of his team-high 16 points after halftime while also leading Midway with seven rebounds.

The lead would get shrink to 39-36, with a Decoreio Smith layup capping an 11-3 run. But that would immediately be followed by 13 unanswered points by the Bulldogs, who held Midway to 0-for-4 from the floor with two turnovers in that stretch.

The Eagles would muster one last rally, as a Barksdale 3-pointer made it a 71-66 game with 27 second remaining. After a Union turnover, Barksdale got another look at a 3 with 10 seconds to play, but it rimmed out and the Bulldgos ran the clock down to one second before ending the game with two free throws.

Midway shot just 8-of-30 from 3-point range and also hurt itself at the foul line, making only 14-of-25 attempts.

The Bulldogs also held a 54-39 rebounding advantage, Kaleb Hedgepeth pulling down 15 by himself.

Smith (15), Barksdale (14) and Wales (12) were also in double figures. Wales dished a game-high seven assists while Barksdale made three steals for Midway, which forced 16 turnovers while recording just eight.

The Eagles will try to redeem themselves when they return to their home court Monday to take on Miami Middletown (Ohio) at 7:30 p.m.