January 29, 2008

 

                Bluefield, VA—After avenging an early season loss to the UVA-Wise Cavaliers on Saturday, the Lions headed to Bluefield, VA on Tuesday night looking to pay the Rams back for another early season home loss. After playing well against Bluefield in the first half, the Lions had fallen apart in the second half, eventually losing 98-79 in front of the home crowd at Summers Gymnasium.

                Tuesday night’s game was a much closer game as the Lions played some of their best basketball of the year against the Rams, the AAC’s #1 team, and currently ranked 16^th in the nation in NAIA Division II. The Lions had a tough task ahead of them as the Rams’ Coryon Ross was the reigning AAC Player of The Week and Bluefield is loaded with talent and athleticism from top to bottom.

                The Lions came out and played a good first half, shooting a strong 60% from the floor in the first frame, while limiting the Rams to just 44%. Bluefield held their ground by shooting well from beyond the arc and at the charity stripe, taking a 5 point halftime lead, 48-43.

                Bryan got huge nights offensively from Cody Christopher, who had a season high 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting, and Charlie Lytle who had 21 points and 10rebounds. The Lions made a strong second half push, matching the Rams basket for basket with both teams scoring 46 second half points, but in the end the 5 point halftime lead proved to be the difference. Bluefield hung on to win the game at home, 94-89.

                Despite the loss, the Lions did indeed play one of their best games of the year, holding the explosive rams to just 43% shooting on the night. In addition to Lytle and Christopher, the Lions also got big contributions from Mike Lytle who poured in 12 points and dished out 5 assists, and Lamarr Shorts who added 10 points and 6 assists. The loss drops the Lions to 9-13 overall and 3-8 in Appalachian Athletic Conference Play.

                The team will look to regroup as they head into Saturday night’s contest at home against the Montreat Cavaliers. Tip-Off is set for 6 PM.