Tuesday, November 30, 2004

SAINTS OPEN CONFERENCE PLAY WITH 112-104 WIN OVER FLAMES

Cleveland, Tenn. - Visiting North Georgia College and State University spoiled the Lee University men's basketball team first Southern States Athletic Conference game, running and gunning past the Flames on Monday night, 112-104.

Lee jumped out to an early 15-10 lead, but the hustling Saints held the lead for most of the game, and were on top 51-45 at the midway point. The Flames never really threatened in the second half, narrowing the lead no closer than five points.

Both teams hit the majority of their shots, with North Georgia (NGCSU) making 53 percent, compared to 51 percent for the Flames.

Six players had double figure points for the visitors, led by Bryce Brickhouse, who came off the bench to record 30 points and grab seven rebounds. He made 4-of-8 treys and shot 63 percent overall.  Brickhouse was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. The Saints went to charity stripe 34 times and made 24.  Many of the freebies were in the final moments of the game, as the Flames searched for any opportunity to keep the game close.

Matt Causey and Mark Trust both tossed in 19 points. Causey completed the double-double with an impressive 12 assists to go with five steals. Trust had eight rebounds for NGCSU. The Saints out-rebounded the Flames 41-38. Ryan Franklin had 15 points, Mark Causey had 13 points and eight boards, and Dustin David had 11 to round out the players with at least 10.

Lee had five players in double figures, led by Michael Stringer, with 26. Stringer, a senior, entered the game fourth in the conference in scoring (19 ppg). Lance Sexton had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Preseason NAIA Honorable-Mention All-American Kwbana Beckles had one of his best showings of the young season with 21 points, eight rebounds, and no turnovers.

Rounding out the top scorers were Kellen Pickel (13 points) and Cori Pugh. Pugh, a freshman, made his first start, and gave his best effort with 10 points, eight rebounds, and no turnovers.

The 5-1, 0-1 Flames will return to action on Dec. 4 at Southern Wesleyan University. NGCSU improves to 5-2, 1-0 in the conference and will play Reinhardt College at 8:00 pm on the road Thursday.

Box Score

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