It was a sweet way to close out the 2013-14 season for the Lee men's basketball team. Not only did they score their first road victory of the season, but they were also able to pin a convincing defeat on rival Shorter University.
The Flames started slow but caught fire midway through the first half and led 51-35 at the break. They continued to pour on the coal in the opening 10 minutes of the second half and finished with a 90-81 triumph.
It was the 10th victory of the year against 16 defeats and their sixth victory in their first year as members of the Gulf South Conference.
The Flames threw a balanced scoring attack at the athletic Hawks. Five players scored in double figures and overall Lee shot a blistering 51 percent from the field and made 10-of-21 3-pointers. They marched to the charity stripe 24 times and canned 20.
Tyquan Roberts turned in probably his best overall effort of the year. The junior made 8-of-9 free throws and grabbed nine rebounds en route to a 22 point performance. Cory Billingsley followed close behind. The junior was 3-of-5 behind the arc, 6-of-6 from the line and totaled 21 points.
Freshman Bryce Copeland continued to impress. He knocked down three treys, garnered four rebounds, dished off three assists and put 16 points on the board. Another freshman, Jamal Worthington, added 11 points and six rebounds as the Flames out-rebounded the Hawks 38-37.
However, it was senior Brice Sharp who helped will the Flames to the victory with his overall hustle and toughness. The senior concluded his career with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Hawks tried to battle back late but the Flames got key free throws from Chad Lee, Copeland and Roberts down the stretch to salt the victory away.
Jordan Jacks set a torrid pace for Shorter. He poured in 24 points and grabbed 17 of his team's 37 rebounds. Brock Rowan followed with 19 points and carded four treys. Brandon Pullman finished with 18 points and four assists, while Dedric Ware had 13 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists.