CLEVELAND, Tenn. –Six Lee University men's basketball players scored in double figures as the Flames defeated the University of Tennessee Southern 89-69 to open the season. Lee improved to 1-0 on the year while the Firehawks counted it as an exhibition. 
 
After a quick seven points for UTS, the Flames defense kicked in as they held the Firehawks scoreless for nearly eight minutes. Lee scored 12 points over that run with Marlon Smith scoring six of it.
 
UTS tried to jumpstart their offense with a couple of three's but every time they got close in the first half, The Flames had an answer. Lee shot 51% in the first half and led it 43-25.
 
Lee continued the offensive onslaught in the early portion of the second half. Their lead ballooned to as many as 26 points. UT-Southern tried to make it close but couldn't get closer than 19 points and Lee won 89-69.
 
Six Flames scored in double figures led by transfer Marlon Smith he had 21 points and seven rebounds to pace Lee. GianCarlo Valdez added 12 points and six assists. Willie Walton also has 12 points. Tylon Chatman had a career high 11 points as did Tim Vaughn and Tariq Duaghton.
 
As a team Lee shot 53.2% from the floor and 57.9% from long range in the win. The Flames also had 38 rebounds which was 14 more than the Firehawks.
 
The Flames will continue the homestand with a match against Lindsey Wilson College on Wednesday November 13 at 6 PM at Walker Arena.
 
Coach Bubba Smith's Thoughts:
 
"It was a tale of two halves today, but it is November 9 and a new team and season. We saw some growth today in some areas as we got to the free throw line and significantly outrebounded them today. 
 
This team also continues to share the ball and I love that it is such an unselfish team. I also really like the sense of frustration they have about where we need to be defensively and where we need to improve.