Coach Tommy Brown pointed at two important areas in Lee's 78-59 loss to host Christian Brothers University on Saturday afternoon. The Flames committed 16 costly turnovers and gave up 17 offensive rebounds as their record dropped to 8-13 on the year and 4-11 in Gulf South Conference play.
After playing the Bucs close for most of the first half, Christian Brothers exploded to gain a 43-24 lead at the break. The Flames fought back and cut the lead to 12 points midway of the second half but again turnovers and rebounds allowed the Bucs to pull away.
"You just can't make mistakes against this type of basketball team," said coach Brown. "They are going to make you pay for the mistakes. It seems like when we get behind, we start putting up quick shots or trying some NBA type passes."
Tyquan Roberts had an excellent shooting night, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the field and finishing with 18 points. Cory Billingsley was the only other Flame in double figures. He scored 11 points. Jamal Worthington finished with nine, all coming in the first half.
For the game, the Flames shot 38 percent from the field and made just 3-of-13 3-point attempts. They went to the line 25 times and converted 18. The Bucs, paced by 23 points from Trey Casey and Drew Hildreth, shot 49 percent from the field (33-of-68). They were solid from behind the arc, hitting 9-of-21 (43 percent). Cory McArthy was the only other Buc in double figures. He netted 10 points.
Christian Brothers outscored Lee 38-30 in points in the paint. They tallied 22 points off turnovers and had a game-changing 23 second chance points. The Flames did lead in one department, outscoring the Bucs 25-15 in points off the bench.
Lee will return to action on Thursday and host West Alabama on an evening planned for White-Out Night. Lee tee-shirts will be available.