Makhi McGuire
The Lee University men’s basketball team used a strong second half to pull away and defeat Auburn University Montgomery 85-60 on Friday evening. In a physical game, Lee led 35-27 at halftime before scoring 50 points in the second half to pull away. Makhi McGuire led the way for the Flames with a career high 21 points.
Both teams came out running as the Flames used a three by Beyuan Hendricks to take a 5-4 lead early. After that, neither team was able to get much going. The pace of play was quick and physical and no one could get any rhythm.
Lee and AUM traded the lead five times over the next several minutes before PJay Smith hit a three-point shot to give the Flames a 18-14 lead.
The Warhawks then answered and went on a 4-0 run to tie the game back up at 18. Jayce Willingham hit the first free throws of the game at the 7:28 mark. That led to a 6-0 run for the Flames and they took an eight point lead at the halftime break at 35-27.
Out of the break, Makhi McGuire made a layup and was fouled. He made the free throw to give Lee a 38-29 lead. On the next Lee offensive possession, Willingham and Lenzi both earned fouls and the Flames earned a technical foul. After AUM hit the free throw, Lee went on a 7-0 run. The Warhawks picked up a technical foul as well during the run.
AUM cut the lead down to 50-40 and then Lee went on a 9-0 run that was capped off by back-to-back dunks by Noah Boler and Willingham to make it 61-40. Smith then stole an inbound pass and laid it up to to send the score to 63-42. After that, the Flames didn’t let off on the pressure and outscored the Warhawks by 17 points in the second to win 85-60.
Head Coach Bubba Smith was pleased with the strong second half. “Took a few minutes to get going tonight. AUM was the more physical team in the first half. Then we woke up in the second. We had too many turnovers in the first half and took care of the ball in the second half. Proud of Noah Boler, he stepped up and was strong on the glass. Makhi and Jayce were very good on the offensive end.
The Flames outscored the Warhawks in the paint 40-24. Lee held Aum to 35% shooting in the game. The Flames were 19-23 from the free throw line while Aum was 10-11.
Lee will head to Rome, Ga. on Sunday to take on the Shorter Hawks with the tipoff set for 4 PM..