The Bryan Lions and Lee Flames meet for the 88^th time on the hardwood tonight. In fact that matches the longest-running rivalry in Lee's basketball history. The Flames and Tennessee Temple have also tangled 88 times. Lee holds a 70-17 advantage in the Bryan series, but Lee coach Tommy Brown is quick to point out that the Lions always play his Flames tough.

COLE IS THE LION LEADER
Brandon Cole, a 6-foot-2 sophomore has been the Lion leader in the early going. He is averaging a double-double, 21.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds. Guard Jeff Long is the only other Bryan player in double-figure scoring. He averaged 11 points per game. As a team, the Lions average just over 59 points per start. After losing their first four games, they have rebounded to post back-to-back conference wins against Virginia Intermont and St. Andrews.

BILLINGSLEY OFF TO SOLID START
Junior Corey Billingsley, who has the ability to score behind the arc or under the hoop, is off to a solid start in Lee's wins over Johnson University and Tennessee Wesleyan. The former Sweetwater High School scoring machine tallied 12 points against Johnson and 24 in the win over TWC. Freshmen Stedmon Ford (10, 12) and Jervon Johnson (20, 12) have also tallied in double figures in the first two contests. Junior Jay Marquette, who played his junior college ball at Owens Community College (Ohio), has been impressive inside for the Flames. He had 13 points in the season opener and has garnered 15 rebounds in the first two games. Overall, depth and balanced-scoring has been a key for the Flames in the early going.

MOVING INTO NCAA DIVISION II COMPETITION
Lee will be tested this weekend when they join with host Young Harris, North Georgia and Shorter in the Peach Belt/Gulf South Classic. The Flames will face Young Harris on Friday at 8:30. The Mountain Lions won the Peach Belt regular season title last year. North Georgia always fields a strong club and will be Lee's opponent on Saturday at 4:30.

The Flames will return home and host Truett-McConnell on Dec. 9 and round out the pre-holiday season by opening play in the Gulf South Conference on Dec. 16 and 19, hosting West Florida and Valdosta State.

LADY FLAMES RETURN ON NOV. 26
Coach Marty Rowe and the Lady Flames will return to action after a 10-day break and challenge Auburn-Montgomery in Walker Arena on Nov. 26. The Lady Flames will then hit the road for non-conference games at Carson-Newman, North Georgia, Bellarmine (Ky.) and Bethel (Tenn.) before opening their Gulf South schedule on Dec. 16 and 19 against West Florida and Valdosta State.