FRANKFORT, Ky. --- As if Paine's annual rivalry game with Augusta State needed any more meaning, the Lions added another story line.

In its second bid for head coach Ron Spry's 500th career win, Paine lost at Kentucky State, 85-78, Monday night.

The Lions fell to 1-4 on the season and 0-3 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. After a two-game road trip, Paine returns home for its 8 p.m. Saturday tilt against No. 4 Augusta State at Carter Gym.

If the Lions fail to upset the Jaguars, they won't have another shot at helping Spry reach his milestone until Dec. 30 when they play at LeMoyne-Owen.

Against Kentucky State (2-2), Marcus McDaniel opened the game with a 3-pointer to give Paine the early lead. The Thorobreds soon jumped ahead and never looked back. Kentucky State led by as many as 13 before taking a 39-31 halftime lead.

Donald Harris and Najee Tolbert combined for three layups to open the second half, as the Lions pulled to within two. The Thorobreds responded with an 18-6 run, pushing the lead to 14.

For the fifth game this season, Paine struggled with its field-goal shooting. The Lions shot 40 percent from the floor, including a 4-for-20 effort from the perimeter. Paine also shot just 14-for-23 from the foul line.

Paine's Donald Harris, a sophomore forward, had a career game with 26 points (11-for-25 shooting), 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Tolbert, a junior guard, scored in double digits for the fifth consecutive game with 14 points, along with three assists and three steals.

Julian English also scored 14 for the Lions, while McDaniel added 11.