FHU falls in season opener to Faulkner

November 4, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Freed-Hardeman men's basketball began their season with a tough test against a familiar foe. Beginning the Jimmy Faulkner Classic, the Lions were hosted by Faulkner (Ala.) University on Friday night. Despite a valiant comeback, the Lions were bested by the Eagles by a final score of 85-75.

Freed-Hardeman (0-1) was off to a strong start after all five starters got into the scoring column to push the Lions to a five-point lead. Unfortunately for the men in maroon, Faulkner started shooting from long range and shooting well. Back-to-back triples would give the Eagles a six-point lead with 13:32 left in the first half. The Lions would answer with an 8-0 run of their own heralded by back-to-back buckets from JaQuan Lax. From there, Faulkner exploded on a 28-9 run to end the opening half with their largest lead of the contest: 44-27.

After the break, the Lions began to chip away at the Faulkner (3-0) lead after Brandon Thomas bucketed a pair of jumpers to start the half. FHU continued to close the gap when four different Lions scored on successive shots including a 3-pointer from Ryley McClaran. The one-two punch of McClaran and Hunter Scurlock combined for an 8-0 run to pull the Lions within one possession, trailing the Eagles 68-65. With time winding down, the Eagles hit their late free throws to maintain their lead until an 85-75 final score.

Five Lions ended in double-figures with Brandon Thomas and J.J. Wheat pacing FHU with 14 points each. JaQuan Lax and Hunter Scurlock followed with 12 points each, while McClaran bucketed 10 points. Thomas also led FHU at the boards by pulling down six rebounds.

Up Next

Freed-Hardeman will stay the night in Montgomery before taking the hardwood again at Tine Davis Gymnasium, this time in a neutral-site clash with Middle Georgia State University. Tipoff from Alabama is slated for 3:00 p.m.