December 30, 2007

     Babson Park, FL—Having enjoyed a break from school for the Christmas Holiday, the Bryan Men’s Basketball team traveled to Florida to play a few tough non-conference opponents before returning to school and the remainder of their conference schedule. First up for the Lions was a tough matchup with Webber International University, a member of the NAIA’s Florida Sun Conference, and 11 point victors over Geneva College earlier in the weekend.

     The break did not appear to have a negative affect on the Lions as the team jumped out to an early 16-11 lead keyed by Lamarr Shorts and Mike Lytle who both hit big threes. Webber would not go down quietly however, as the warriors caught fire and outscored the Lions 30-19 to take a 6 point halftime lead.

     After shooting 56% in the first half, Webber International remained hot coming out of the break and stretched their lead to 11 before Lions’ Head Coach Don Rekoske called a timeout to refocus his squad. After talking things over, the Lions came out doing some hot shooting of their own as Kyle Terry scored 6 straight points and Mike Lytle hit another big 3 to cut the lead to just 2. The teams would battle back and forth and with 4 minutes left in the game, Bryan took its first lead of the second half, 58-57. Webber would answer back with a big three to take the lead back, but it was their last lead of the night. Lions’ freshman Charlie Lytle hit a 3 to take the lead for good and PG Demond Craig hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch to put the Warriors away.

     Returning to their early season form, the Lions held Webber International to just 27% shooting in the second half while getting a balanced offensive performance again as well. Kyle Terry led the Lions with 20 points, while Mike Lytle added 14 points and 9 assists and Demond Craig added 11 points and 6 rebounds. Charlie Lytle had a big night for the Lions as well with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks and 3 rebounds in the victory.

     The Lions take on Warner Southern College tomorrow night at 7PM before heading back to Dayton to get ready for the second half of their schedule.