MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Lee University led from start to finish in posting an important road win over the University of Auburn at Montgomery on Friday evening. The Flames improved to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in GSC play while the Warhawks dropped to 3-7, 1-6:

Lee built up a 45-35 lead at the half in the 83-73 victory. The Flames will close out the pre-holiday season on Sunday at 4 p.m. when they host Shorter University. It will also be Toys for Tots Day and those wishing can bring a toy that will be given to a needy child by the US Marines.

The Lee balanced scoring was paced by Noah Boler-Kyle. The big man made 10-of-12 free throws and finished with 21 points. Overall, the Flames were awarded what had to be a record 46 charity tosses and converted 34. Beyuan Hendricks followed with 20 points and led the team in rebounding with seven. Lee outrebounded the Warhawks 38-33.

Makhi McGuire knocked down three triples and totaled 13 points. JJ Barnes turned in his usual solid performance with 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds. It was not a great shooting night for the Flames from the field as they made only 20-of-51 shots (39%) and 9-of-27 triples (33%).

The Warhawks were paced by Travis Anderson (17 points), while Sam Youngblood followed with 15 points. Malachi Rhodes had 11 points and Jalen Gasten joined in with 11 points and a team-leading five rebounds. AUM made 48% of its shots from the field (29-of-60) and hit 7-of-17 treys. However, free throws were hard to come by as they made 8-of-15.

Coach Bubba Smith's thoughts:

"It wasn't the prettiest win. Our execution was not the highest it has been this season with way too many turnovers (17). However, we found a way to win. Any time you can get a road win in the GSC, you will take it.

"AUM is a hard  place to play, and our field goal percentage was not the best, but we got it done. We were the more aggressive team and got to the free throw line a lot and took advantage. Anytime you can take 46 free throws you have a good chance to win.

"Now to get back and get ready for a tough-playing Shorter team."