CLEVELAND, Tenn.-Lee University women's basketball coach Marty Rowe reached a milestone in his celebrated career on Thursday evening in Pensacola, Fla. when his Lady Flames defeated the host West Florida club in a thrilling Gulf South Conference battle that went down to the final seconds.
Rowe is in the midst of his 20th season of directing the Lee women and his record now stands at 500 wins against 135 defeats. Over the past 19 years, 18 of his teams have won 20 games or more. Before taking over the Lee program, Rowe began his head coaching career at Brescia University (Ky.) and his overall record now stands at 631-200.
"Five hundred wins at one place puts Coach Rowe in rare company," complimented Lee Director of Athletics John Maupin. "It is impressive enough to win 500 games, but Coach Rowe has done it in a way that inspires everyone around him.
"From assistant coaches to team managers to players, you will hear the same heartfelt message regarding the positive impact on their life that Coach and Pam have created when it comes to a true family and culture of excellence within the Lee University women's basketball program. I could not be prouder of Coach Rowe for this accomplishment."
Both Lee teams will be in Valdosta, Ga. to face challenges on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m. The Lady Flames will be up against a Valdosta State team that is ranked No.11 in DII and has won 12 straight since falling to Lee back on Nov. 25. The Lady Blazers are the only team to defeat Union University this season, whipping the Lady Bulldogs in Jackson on Dec. 17.
Saturday's matchup will pit two of the GSC's top defensive clubs against each other. The Lady Blazers allow only 56 points per game and the Lady Flames 60. Overall Valdosta State is 12-1 in the conference standings. Union 11-1 and Lee 9-4.
The Flames will be trying to post a second consecutive victory after the solid defensive effort against West Florida. Lee will also be looking for a sweep over the Valdosta club. The Flames defeated the Blazers way back in November and will be looking to break out of a logjam with five other teams in the league with five defeats.
Beyuan Hendricks leads the Flames in scoring, 17 points per game (6th in GSC). The Flames are No 2. in conference play when it comes to defense, holding opponents to just over 69 points per game.
