CLEVELAND, Tenn. – It was the three-point shot that was the difference in the 68-64 loss for the Lee University men's basketball team on Thursday night. The victorious Delta State University team made 11 buckets from long range while the Flames only made two. In a game that featured five ties and nine lead changes, the Statesmen found a way to make six threes in the second half to earn the four-point win. It is the seventh loss for the Flames in Gulf South Conference play by six points or less this season.
After quick starts from both teams, the scoring slowed down quite a bit. The Flames and the Statesmen both had multiple scoring droughts in the first half. Lee fought back from a deficit and lead by one at the break.
In the second half, DSU went to Je'Marion Westbrook. In 38 minutes of action. He only missed one field goal going 10-for-11. He was 3-for-4 from long range and had 23 points. Delta State jumped out quickly and pushed the lead out to ten points. Lee fought back but could not get any closer than two points. DSU led by six with a minute left and the Flames got a couple of steals but could not convert on both steals and DSU made several free throws to ice the game and win it 68-64.
Bryce Clayton played all 40 minutes for the Statesmen and had 18 points and ten rebounds. DaCory Porter had 16 points for DSU as well in the game.
Lee was led by Tylon Chatman who had 13 points, Zach Gray had 11 and Dayveun Anderson had ten. Willie Walton added 12 rebounds in the loss.
Lee made two more field goals than DSU in the game but was only 2-for-15 from three's while DSU was 11-of-26. The Flames also missed seven free-throws at 14-of-21. DSU did not attempt a free throw until 13 minutes left in the game but ended up going 13-14.
The Flames will play their final home game on Saturday, February 21 at 4 PM. Lee will take on Mississippi College for senior day.
Coach Bubba Smith's Thoughts:
"Still have to find a way to win even if things aren't going your way. It was a missed opportunity tonight. Give credit to Delta State we played behind the whole night. We had a hard time creating and sustaining any momentum."
