Martin Methodist's Josh Watson opened a five-minute overtime period with eight straight points (2-3-pointers) to lead the visiting RedHawks to a 79-71 Homecoming victory over the host Flames on Saturday afternoon before a packed house in Walker Arena.

Lee had trailed for most of the game against the Pulaski club but rallied late to send the contest into overtime tied at 59. However, MMC outscored the Flames 20-12 in the extra period to claim the exhibition victory.

The RedHawks enjoyed a 33-27 lead at the halfway mark but the Flames came rallying back time and time again in order to stay close against the talented (NAIA Southern States Athletic Conference) club.

"This is exactly the type of team our young players needed to compete against," said coach Tommy Brown. "Martin Methodist has the kind of club that compares to many of the teams we will be facing when we begin play in the Gulf South Conference. We could have scheduled a much easier opponent, like we usually do, but we decided this was best for us this year."

Watson made 6-of-12 3-point attempts and hit a pair of free throws down the stretch to finish as the game's leading scorer with 22 points. He also had a double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds. Teammate Darius Forrest was also a force inside with 14 points and Ryan Donald  canned a pair of treys and rounded out the RedHawk double-figure scoring with 10 markers.

The Flames rallied with a 20-point effort from senior Cory Billingsley. He opened the game with two straight 3-pointers to give Lee their lead. Cody Farley followed with 11 points and eight rebounds. Newcomer Chase Cullen gave Lee a lift with 5-of-6 shooting from the field, eight rebounds and 10 points. Bryce Copeland knocked down a couple of late treys and finished with nine markers.

Lee shot a respectable 43 percent from the field and converted 10-of-30 3-point tries. The Flames were only awarded 14 freebies and converted nine. Twenty-three floor mistakes hurt the winning effort.

"A lot of the results from the turnovers was not having Chad Lee on the floor. He did start the game and played only a few minutes but he's just been released from the doctor's care as he recovers mono. He is a senior and helps control things both on the offensive and defensive ends. We also have only been working on this offense for two or three practices," noted Brown.

Martin Methodist shot 42 percent from the field and a solid 12-of-29 from behind the arc. They also had 14 free throws and made nine. Turnovers was a huge difference. The Flames recorded 23 floor mistakes and the RedHawks had only 12.

Lee opens regular season play next Friday and Saturday and take part in the GSC-SIAC Classic. Brown's unit will face Morehouse College on Friday at 5:30 and test Clafin University in a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday. The Flames will return to Walker Arena on Nov. 17 as a part of a doubleheader against Truett-McConnell.