WINGATE, NC - Lenoir-Rhyne's strong defensive first half led the Bears to an 89-75 victory at Wingate.

Junior Hodnett was tops on the team with 18 points while Conrad Luczynski and Blessin Kimble combined for 16 rebounds and three blocks.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: (RV) Lenoir-Rhyne 89, Wingate 75
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne 9-3 (4-1 SAC), Wingate 5-4 (1-3 SAC)
Location: Cuddy Arena | Wingate, NC

STORY OF THE GAME:

• The Bears held the Bulldogs to just two points through the first seven minutes, leading 7-2 early on.
• Julian Dozier found Akili Evans for the alley-oop to extend the Bears lead to 19-7 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
• Rogelio Rivera hit back-to-back threes before the half to give the Bears a 49-24 lead entering the break. 
• Lenoir-Rhyne shot 16-for-25 (64.0%) from the field and 6-for-11 (54.5%) from beyond the arc in the first half. 
• Tyler Burraston drilled his first three of the game, extending the Bears lead to 21 with over 14 minutes left.
• A Kendall Campbell dunk cut the Bulldog deficit to 72-61 with under eight minutes left in regulation.
• Evans' late dunk put the nail in the coffin, sealing the victory for the Bears. 

STATS OF THE GAME:

• Junior Hodnett (18), Blessin Kimble (14), Akili Evans (11), and Sam Martin (10) all finished in double figures for the Bears.
• Lenoir-Rhyne finished the game shooting 31-48 (64.8%) from the field and 10-18 (55.6%) from beyond the arc. 
• Wingate's offense was held in check as they shot just 25-63 (39.7%) from the field and 6-25 (24.0%) from three.
• The Bears had a slight advantage in rebounds (35-33) and fastbreak points (24-22).
• Amarion Savage led the team with nine assists while Junior Hodnett finished with three steals. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• This was the 81st meeting between the Bears and Bulldogs and Lenoir-Ryhne now leads the all-time series 48-33.
• Junior Hodnett matched his season-high 18 points for the second straight game.
• The Bears made at least 10 three pointers for the third game this season. 
• This is the sixth straight game that Conrad Luczynski has generated at least three blocks.
• The nine assists from Amarion Savage is the most assists by a Bear in a game this season. 
• Lenoir-Rhyne has won at Wingate in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 17/18 seasons. 
• Wingate's 24 points in the first half is the least amount of points the Bears have given up in a half this season. 

UP NEXT: Lenoir-Rhyne heads back to Shuford for their final home game in 2025 against Mars Hill on Saturday. The Lions are coming off a 77-60 loss tonight at home against Tusculum. Tip-off for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. All Bears basketball alumni are invited to attend as a celebration of life for John Lentz will take place on Sunday. Both the men's and women's games on Saturday will be free.