DAHLONEGA, Ga. – It was a defensive struggle for both Lee University and the University of North Georgia on the opening night of the season. Eventually UNG went on a 9-0 run midway through the second half and came away with a 63-58 victory. The Flames will return home this weekend and will host the University of Tampa and Miles College.
Neither team could get any momentum at the start. After three minutes, the Flames led just 2-0. It was a balanced game in the first twenty minutes as the lead never was more than four points for either side. Lee went on a short run near the end of the half and led it 33-31 at the break.
The second half was another grind. The Flames eventually pushed the lead out to 39-33 which would be their largest lead of the game. A couple minutes later would start a seven-minute drought for the Flames which allowed UNG to take the lead. UNG would never lead by more than eight points and would hang on to win by five.
Dayveun Anderson led the Flames in scoring with 14 points. Willie Walton added 11 and six rebounds. Zach Gray had 10 and eight rebounds.
Lee shot 41.5% in the contest and held UNG to 40%. UNG was also only 3-of-18 from long range. The big difference was UNG was 20-of-23 from the free throw line while Lee was only 6-of-7.
Coach Bubba Smith's Thoughts:
"I was proud of how our guys competed on the road. We did some good things tonight. It was a defensive battle and both teams defended well. They produced more second chance opportunities that resulted in fouls and trips to the free throw line, and that was the difference in the game."
