GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Basketball took on Catawba for the 207th time but it was the first time the two programs met in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship and the Indians came away with a 71-67 victory. However, the Bears appear to have clinched a spot in the NCAA Division II Tournament with yesterday's win over Queens.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Catawba 71 | Lenoir-Rhyne 67
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (21-10) | Catawba (24-7)
Location: Timmons Arena | Greenville, S.C.
STATS OF THE GAME:
• It was the Bears first appearance in the SAC Tournament title game since 2005 and they were searching for the first championship since 2003 but came just short. The back-and-forth contest never got bigger than an eight point lead either way.
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Cory Thomas was outstanding once again for the Bears, finishing with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Thomas was named to the All-Tournament team after scoring 63 points in the three tournament games.
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Bertrand Awana continued his outstanding stretch which saw him go perfect from the field for the fourth straight game. Awana went 7-for-7 and has now converted on each of his last 23 field goal attempts. Awana, who also made the All-Tournament team, added a career-high six blocks and six rebounds.
• The difference in the game came on the offensive boards as Catawba grabbed 18 and had 17 second chance points. The Bears shot 51 percent from the field but Catawba took 16 more field goal attempts thanks to the offensive rebounding advantage.
• Daquan Lilly and Jordan McElveen each scored 13 points for the Indians. Devin Cooper was named the Tournament MVP and finished with 12 points.
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Jon Jean was the third Bear in double figures, finishing with 12 points.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
• This marks Catawba's first SAC Tournament title since 2009.
• LR's bench was held to a season-low two points and zero field goals.
• The 21 wins matches the highest total in the past 11 years.
• LR is now 11-6 away from Shuford Gym this season and 6-4 against regionally ranked opponents.
UP NEXT:
The Bears will find out their NCAA Tournament fate at 10:30 p.m. tonight as the Division II Men's Basketball bracket is unveiled. The selection show will be streamed live on NCAA.com.
