COLUMBUS, GA -- The Albany Panthers departed for Columbus on Saturday afternoon for a divisional showdown with the in-state rival Lions. With a Panthers win, the team would return with the Southern Division title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

All the Panthers will be arriving with in Albany is a disappointing loss to the Lions 58-39.

The Panthers failed to get off the bus in the first half trailing 39-19. The 39 points allowed by the Albany defense was the highest amount given up by the Panthers in a first half this season.

The Panthers cut the deficit to 45-31 at the beginning of the fourth, but were unable to move any closer to Columbus.