Lion bench has big night, defeats Warner

November 26, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman University's bench bucketed 52 points against the Oakwood (Fla.) University Royals when the Lions opened up "The Show" with a 92-61 win.

Brandon Thomas got the scoring started for Freed-Hardeman (5-2, 3-0 MSC) with a layup off of the tip. Back-to-back buckets for the Royals put Warner on top, but Ryley McClaran's 3-pointer at 17:29 gave FHU the lead they would maintain for the rest of the contest. The Lions were fearless in driving to the hoop, with three out of four possessions giving FHU the "and one" opportunity - which the Lions converted all of. The 16-point run put Warner in a scoring drought that lasted 5:36. Geraldo Lane spent a lot of time at the charity stripe in the half - making six of his attempted nine free throws to help FHU to a 43-21 lead at the break.

The Lions would force the Royals (5-3, 1-2 SUN) to commit 22 turnovers, converting those into 17 points. Warner opened the second half with six points, but Phil Horton would score 10 points in three minutes to continue the Lions' high scoring from the bench. In the second frame, the Lion starting five connected for eight points - leaving the half's remaining 41 points from the hands of the bench. Zach Baugher and Dawson Bailey tallied layups in the waning seconds to give FHU the 92-61 victory.

Ryley McClaran's 4-for-5 night from beyond the arc helped him lead the team with 15 points. Phil Horton had a personal-best 13 points, with Dawson Bailey bucketing a season-high 10. The Lions spread out their 36 rebounds, with Peyton Law, JaQuan Lax, and Horton each pulling down five boards. Lax helped FHU's offense with a team-high four assists. 

Up Next

The Lions will end their weekend in "The Show" with a Sunday brunch matchup with Southeastern (Fla.) University at 11:45 a.m.