Bristol, VA—Heading into Wednesday’s first round game of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament, the Lions of Bryan College were unsure who might even step onto the floor. The flu had been affecting students all over campus and the basketball team was certainly not immune. With many of the Lions recovering from sickness and top 3-point shooter Kyle Terry unable to travel with the team because he was so sick, the Lions prepared to take on the Cobras of Virginia Intermont College. Bryan had dropped both games to the Cobras earlier in the year, but Wednesday’s game took on much more meaning as a win prolonged a season while a loss would mean a disappointing end to the season.

                Kyle Terry showed up in time for the tip-off and dug deep to find his best performance of the year to help his team extend their season and upset the 8^th seeded Cobras. Battling the flu, Terry got hot from beyond the arc early as the Lions withstood an early onslaught from the Cobras, and outscored them 49-41 in the second half to post the 1st round victory by a score of 92-85.

                Terry finished 7-of-9 from behind the 3-point line to finish with a game high 23 points, while forward Cody Christopher finished with 22 points and Charlie Lytle added 21 points in the victory. The three players with 20 points or more was a first for the Lions this season who have used defense most of the year to shut down their opponents this season. Terry’s seven treys were the most for him this season, besting the 6 he hit against the same Virginia Intermont team in December. The Cobras shot 54% from the field, but it was Bryan’s 54% from beyond the arc that proved to be the difference. In addition to Terry, the Lions got 3-point field goals from Mike Lytle, Damond Craig, Cody Christopher, Lamarr Shorts, and Charlie Lytle for a total of 15 on the night.

                The Lions are now set to take on the top seeded King College Tornado in the second round of the AAC Tournament. Tip-Off is set for Thursday afternoon at 3:30 PM.