South Cumberland News

The No. 19 Freed-Hardeman University Lions put an exclamation point on the end of a successful 2022 calendar year, flipping the page with a 96-71 victory over Point (Ga.) University. Six Lions recorded double digits in the last non-conference matchup of the season.

With JaQuan Lax stealing the ball away 20 seconds into the contest and going coast-to-coast to lay in the first basket of the game, Freed-Hardeman's (13-2, 9-0 MSC) defense was poised for another strong outing. The Lions forced 16 turnovers, converting those into 27 points - compared to four points off of six forced turnovers by the Skyhawks. Ryley McClaran lit the net on fire for FHU in the first minutes, tallying 10 points across two minutes of play to help push the Lions to a 10-point advantage leading 18-8. JJ Wheat would then put his name in the scorebook, converting an and-one opportunity before sinking another pair of free throws. The Lions would push their weight into the key, scoring 26 points in the paint in the first half to help give the Lions a 41-27 lead at intermission.

Geraldo Lane kept the momentum going strong for the Lions in the second half, recording a set of layups - with one of those also sending him to the free-throw line where he connected for the three-point play. Dawson Bailey would follow with a 3-point jumper - one of six long balls in the half for the men in maroon and white. The Point (8-7, 8-4 AAC) Skyhawks never let up, ringing up back-to-back 3-pointers of their own to narrow FHU's lead to 56-38 with 15 minutes left to play. FHU shot the ball well in the second frame, connecting on seven straight attempts in the middle of a 10-12 mark from the floor. Logan Bonds would cap off FHU's big win with five quick points with a layup and a 3-pointer to seal the victory 96-71.

The Lions currently rank seventh in the country with a 52.2% field goal mark while leading the Mid-South Conference in FG percentage. In their 15 games, the Lions have dipped below the 50% mark just four times.

In another well-rounded victory, the Lions had six players end the night in double-figures, with Ryley McClaran's 20 points leading the charge. The sophomore went 7-10 from the field including a 4-7 tally from long range. Peyton Law and JJ Wheat followed with nearly identical stat lines with both freshmen collecting 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist each. JaQuan Lax's 11-point night included a pair of assists, with Geraldo Lane and Hunter Scurlock each tallying 10 points. Scurlock led the Lions in rebounds and assists with seven and three, respectively. Scurlock joined Wheat with three steals each.

Up Next

The FHU Lions will look to continue their 12-game win streak into the new year with a tough Kentucky road trip. First facing the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots, receiving votes in the latest poll, before visiting the No. 15 Georgetown (Ky.) Tigers. Tipoff against the Patriots is set for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 5 with January 7th's game at Georgetown set to tip off at 2:00 p.m. 

FHU will play next at the Brewer Sports Center on Thursday, January 12 where the Lions will host Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College at 7:30 p.m.

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