CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Maine Red Claws continued their slide Thursday night, losing its fifth straight game, 109-103 to the Austin Toros.

But unlike its previous four games in which Maine lost by an average of 17 points, the Red Claws stayed close for much of the game.

Maine (4-11) was tied with Austin at 27 after one quarter, then trailed 55-51 at halftime and 84-75 after three quarters before mounting a comeback .

Maine got within two points twice in the fourth quarter and and trailed 107-104 in the final seconds before being forced to foul.

Maine had a solid shooting effort, hitting of 40 of 80 field goals and 15 of 20 free throws, but had trouble with its inside game. Austin held a 47-34 advantage on rebounds.

Justin Brownlee and Lawrence Hill each had 17 points to lead six Red Claws in double figures. Courtney Pigram and Xavier Silas followed with 16 points apiece, Randle had 12 and Ricky Davis finished with 11.

Austin (10-3) was led by Justin Dentmon, who had 24 points with five assists, and Lance Thomas, who had 18 points and six rebounds.

Leo Lyons closed with 15 points, and Eric Dawson chipped in 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Red Claws will be at Tulsa on Saturday and at Texas on Sunday before heading to New England for three games against Springfield beginning Jan. 14.

NOTES: Forward Lawrence Hill, obtained in a trade with the Texas Legends, is expected to be activated in time for tonight’s game. Paul Harris, who is sidelined with a sore back, is not expected to play.