No. 24 Flames Set to Host West Alabama in GSC Quarterfinals Tuesday
Photo by Reily Anderson courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications.
Fresh off a thrilling win against visiting Auburn Montgomery this past weekend, the Lee men's basketball team hopes the two-game sweep against the Warhawks will carry into the opening round of the Gulf South Conference playoffs when it hosts the University of West Alabama in a 7 p.m. tip inside Walker Arena on Tuesday.
The Gulf South Conference divided the league into East and West Divisions this season and all teams played clubs within their division. Four teams from the East and four from West make-up this year's tournament field. The Flames (13-4) are the No.2 seed in the East and West Alabama is third in the West.
A Tuesday win would find Lee advancing to the semifinal round, facing either No. 1 West seed Alabama Huntsville or No. 4 from the East, Montevallo on Friday. The GSC title will be determined on Sunday at a neutral site to be determined after the semifinal games.
"We are excited to be hosting a first round GSC tournament game against the University of West Alabama. It is a testament to the body of work our guys have done this season in the midst of all the challenges we have faced. It is also tremendous testament to our administration, President Dr. (Mark) Walker, Vice President Cole Strong, Athletic Director Larry Carpenter, Assistant AD Jessica McIntyre, and our athletic trainers for keeping our teams safe, and providing an opportunity for our teams to compete this season," said Lee head coach Bubba Smith in praising his team and the administration.
"Tournament basketball is a new season," he explained. "There is a new sense of urgency your team must have. I know our guys are excited to see a different opponent for the first time this year. We will have a big challenge ahead of us. The University of West Alabama is talented, athletic, and they are well coached. It will take a complete 40 minutes for us to extend our season. We will be ready for the challenge!"
The Flames are led in scoring by Quay Kennedy (17.6 ppg). Beyuan Hendricks follows at (12.4 ppg) and is the assist leader with 66 this season. Jayce Willingham (10.4 ppg) and Michael McGuirk (10.2 ppg) follow, but it was Makhi McGuire who nailed a key trey and Tariq Daughton who brought the crowd to its loudest roar of the season when he ripped the cords with a 3-pointer with some three seconds remaining to give the Flames the 77-76 win.
Shardarrion Allen is the Tigers leading scorer (13.5) and rebounder (5.7). Kortrijk Miles follows at 13.5 ppg. Robert Davis rounds out the double-digit scoring with 10.6 ppg.
