Feb. 8, 2006

Final Stats

COMMERCE, Texas - The Lions (13-9, 3-4) opened the second half of conference play with a big win over Central Oklahoma in front of a home crowd Wednesday night, 84-80.

The last time these two teams met was on Jan. 18, when the Lions traveled to Edmond, Okla. to open conference play, losing to the Bronchos in overtime, 84-75.

Tonight, was a different story, as the Lions were looking to even the score against the Bronchos and tie the series up this season in conference play. A&M-Commerce sealed their win, when Jermart Miller sunk in a 3-point shot to pull the Lions up 74-70 with 2:15 on the clock. UCO's Sam Belt pulled the Bronchos to within two, but they were never able to gain the lead back. Bobby Joshua and Martel Jones spoiled UCO's chances of taking the lead, when they both hit jumpers 40 seconds within each other to give the Lions a six point edge, 78-72 and march them to their 13th win of the season.

Walking into the locker rooms at the half, A&M-Commerce had a three-point edge over UCO, 41-38, with guard Lamar Searight leading the way with 18 points. It was the most points he has recorded in the first half all season. Overall, the Lions finished the night shooting 45.2 percent from the field. They are 10-3 when shooting over 40 percent. They also outscored UCO inside the paint 34-24 and off their turnovers 21-9.

Junior Guard Lamar Searight led all Lion scorers posting a career high as a Lion with 28 points. Bobby Joshua and Chris Fantroy also posted double figures with 15 (Joshua) and 10 (Fantroy) points a piece.

Aundrae Grayson recorded the most points for the Bronchos with 22, while three other Bronchos posted double figures. Leading scorer Anthony Brown had 19, Sam Belt brought in 13 and Kentrell Gaddis tallied 11.

The Lions will continue the second half of North Division play as they travel to Talequah, Okla., Saturday to face Northeastern Oklahoma for an 8p.m. tip-off.

You can catch all of the action on 88.9 KETR or via the World Wide Web on the official website of Lion ahtletics, www.lionathletics.com.