UMW Men’s Basketball Bests Lynchburg, 88-84, on Friday Evening

UMW Men’s Basketball Bests Lynchburg, 88-84, on Friday Evening

The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team defeated Lynchburg University, 88-84, on Friday evening in Newport News, VA., as part of the CNU Classic. The Eagles improve to 8-1 on the season.

 

In the first half, Lynchburg got out to a fast start as they went up 7-2 in the first 2:41 of the game. UMW cut into the lead and went down just two, 12-10, as Greg Rowson converted a three-point play with 14:25 to play. The Hornets got hot from the outside over the next few minutes and grew their lead to 10, 24-14.

 

With Lynchburg winning 32-19, UMW went on a 12-4 run to cut the lead to five with 4:59 remaining. Rowson accounted for seven of the points in that run. The Eagles kept pushing to get back in the game and tied the game at 42 a piece on a three-pointer from Da'Shawn Cook. Anita's Saunders capped the half with a three-pointer and gave UMW a 45-44 advantage.

 

Out of the half, UMW's defense stifled the Hornets as they held them scoreless in the first 6:01. The Eagles took advantage and went up 13, 57-44. Every starter contributed points during that run. UMW extended their lead to 14 with 10:42 left as Cook drained another three-pointer on the night.

 

Cook gave the Eagles their largest lead of the night, 74-57, as he nailed yet another three-pointer. Lynchburg buzzed their way back into the game and went on a run to get within eight, 78-70, with 4:43 remaining. The Hornets kept pushing and got within just three points with 42 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Saunders was fouled and he stepped to the line and calmly knocked down two free throws. Then Hornets answered with a quick bucket to cut it to 84-81 with 21 seconds left. Riley Welch then was fouled, and sank two more free throws. Welch made two more free throws to close the game and UMW held on to win 88-84.

 

Rowson led the Eagles in the scoring department with 18 points. Drew Johnson added another double-double as he had 16 points to go along with 16 rebounds. Cook added 16 points, while Saunders pitcher in 13 points. Freshman Trey Barber recorded his first double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Welch chipped in 11 points off the bench.

 

The Eagles shot 30-72 (41.7%) from the field, 14-45 (31.1%) from three-point range, and 14-20 (70.0%) from the free throw line. UMW out-rebounded Lynchburg 48-47 on the evening.

 

 

UMW will be back in action tomorrow night when they face Randolph College at 5:30 p.m. as part of the CNU Classic.