CARROLLTON, Ga. – The Lee men's basketball team made the most of what has been a rare opportunity this year, the chance to actually play a game. The Flames looked sharp after playing just one regular season game (Dec. 12) prior to tonight's 81-67 victory over West Georgia. 

Junior Quay Kennedy led the way for the Flames with 25 points while sophomore point guard Beyuan Hendricks scored 21 on 6 of 8 shooting from the field.

The Flames were in control from the opening tip jumping out to a 7-0 run. After the Wolves pulled within one at 15-14, Lee closed the half on a 30-14 run to lead 45-28 at the intermission. The Flames withstood several second half runs by the home team to secure the first win of the 2020-21 season and improve to 1-1. The loss drops the Wolves to 1-4 on the year.

"First, it's great to be back out there playing again. Our guys were excited to compete and see if we've improved over the last couple of weeks, said Lee men's basketball head coach. 

Michael McGuirk pitched in 14 points and had seven boards while Jayce Willingham tallied seven and five rebounds. 

Lee shot 53.2 percent from the field and canned eight triples. The Flames dominated the glass to the tune of a 37-21 advantage. The score probably could've ballooned much higher had coach Smith's club taken care of the basketball better. The Wolves forced Lee into 21 turnovers and scored 26 points off those miscues. West Georgia committed just 13 floor mistakes. 

"Really proud of our defensive effort. I thought our guys did a great of effecting shots and we limited them to one shot. I thought our guys were great on the glass as well, said Lee head coach Bubba Smith. 

We were fortunate to create and draw a lot of fouls and were able to earn some easy points at the line, and our guys stepped up tonight and made them. 

Kadeim Jone led the home team with 21 points while Deng Nhial added 15 and six rebounds.

The two teams will run it right back on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. 

"Tomorrow will be a big challenge for our team. This is new territory for us and everyone in our league. Whoever can make key adjustments and be the most consistent tomorrow, especially defensively, will have the best chance to win," concluded Smith