Henderson, Tenn. – Sending a statement to everyone in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics on Friday afternoon, the St. Thomas University Men's Basketball Team traveled to reigning NAIA National Champions Freed-Hardeman University and snapped the second-ranked Lions' 33-match winning streak in a 76-70 triumph. The victory marks the highest-ranked opponent the Men's Basketball Team has defeated on record.
INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:
Final: St. Thomas 76, #2 Freed-Hardeman 70
Record: St. Thomas (2-0), #2 Freed-Hardeman (1-1)
All-Time Series: STU leads 1-0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Bobcats responded to an opening triple by the host with nine-straight points and held onto the lead until a 7-0 FHU run made it 17-12 in favor of the host with 12:00 remaining in the first half.
- The Lions extended their lead to double-digits late in the half at 31-21, with the two sides trading the ensuing 20 points to keep the double-digit separation before back-to-back jumpers in the final minute made it 41-35 at the break.
- St. Thomas scored the opening five points of the second half to make it a one-point game at 41-40, knotting the score at 48-all before taking the lead at 50-48 with 10:45 left to play.
- Freed-Hardeman reclaimed the lead at 62-61, responding to a 4-0 STU run that pushed the ahead 65-62 with six of the ensuing seven points to reclaim the advantage at 67-66 with 2:13 left to play.
- The Bobcats flipped the one-point edge on a jumper and kept the lead for the rest of the contest.
NOTEWORTHY:
- Zyier Beverly boasted 26 points on 7-15 shooting with seven rebounds and four blocks.
- Towan Siler II added 14 points and four assists.
- Aden Nyeken recorded a double-double behind 12 points and 10 rebounds.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Bobcats went 26-54 from the field, 7-19 from beyond the arc and 17-22 from the free throw line. Freed-Hardeman shot 28-72 from the floor, 8-27 from distance and 6-11 from the line.
- St. Thomas recorded nine assists while the host tallied 13.
- St. Thomas forced 10 turnovers, resulting in 14 points, FHU scored 12 points off 18 STU turnovers.
Moss Quote:
"Proud of our guys and how connected we are," Head coach
Zach Moss said. "Amazing atmosphere and against the standard in the NAIA! Excited to see how we progress."
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats travel to Dalton, Ga., for a pair of contests, starting on Friday, Nov. 6 against No. 18 Georgia Gwinnett in a 5 p.m. matchup.
