Lee holds off Faulkner rally
Lee's aggressive play stumps Faulkner's offensive attempts in the first half
Feb. 9, 2008
Montgomery, Ala. - Third-ranked Lee built a big first-half lead then fought off a furious Faulkner rally down the stretch and escaped with a key 72-64 victory Saturday in Southern States Athletic Conference action at Tine Davis Gymnasium.
Jon Uriarte puts in nine straight points to open the game - he finished with 22
The Flames (21-1, 12-1 SSAC), who lost for the first time this season Thursday at Auburn Montgomery, used an 18-3 run late in the half to build a 43-19 advantage. The lead was 44-24 at halftime. The Eagles methodically battled back after intermission, getting as close as four points on two occasions in the final three minutes. Lee made six of its last eight free throws, however, to slam the door shut.
DaeArtis Halliburton puts up a jump shot
Faulkner (12-12, 9-4) got back into the game despite its worst shooting performance of the season, hitting a frigid 26 percent of its shots in both halves. The Flames made 44 percent of their field goal tries.
Richarde McCray blows by the defense in the first half
“I challenged our guys at halftime to prove what they’re made of, and I’m proud of them for battling back,’’ Faulkner head coach Jim Sanderson said. “But that four minute stretch late in the first half just killed us. Lee shoots it so well, it can slip away in a hurry and it did.’’
Reggie Dupree hits a big three pointer late in the game to bring the Eagles within six
Faulkner was paced by Jon Uriarte’s 22 points. Richarde McCray added 10 rebounds for the Eagles, who won the battle of the boards 39-36. Lee placed three players in double figures, with Kellen Pickel leading the way with 17 points. Elmar Kuli-Zade added 16 and Paco Diaw 11.
Faulkner travels to Montevallo Tuesday night to face the Falcons. The game tips off at 7:30.