The Florida Memorial University Lions (4-19, 2-9 TSC) earned a conference victory on the road.
The Lions traveled to Brunswick, GA to take on Coastal College of Georgia (11-11, 6-6 TSC) on Thursday night. Earlier in the season the Mariners handed the Lions a 17 point loss at home, 88-105. The Lions, seeking revenge, knew that they were in for a battle against the Mariners.
For one reason or another, the Lions roster has had many changes since the start of the school year. The Lions currently have a total of ten student-athletes on their roster and these ten student-athletes are working hard daily and the results are showing up on the score. Just last week, against St. Thomas University, the deciding play belonged to STU and they made the play to defeat the Lions. Last night against Coastal College of Georgia, the Lions made sure that they had the last play.
In the first half, the Mariners led by as much as 17 points. The Lions were able to cut the lead down, by halftime they were down by 11, 27-38.
In the second half, the Lions made some adjustments and remembered all that running that Coach Al-Ameen has been making them do at practice to build a 11 point lead with just under four minutes to play. The Mariners would not go away that easily, with just seven seconds to play in regulation, the Mariners tied the game, 84-84. The Lions,
William Phelps attempted a shot from 3-point range and missed, sending the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, the Mariners built a six point lead with under two minutes to play. With just ten seconds to play the Lions came roaring back to take a 1 point lead, 99-100. A foul by
Isaiah Darrett put the Mariners on the line to shoot two free throws. The Mariners, Jonathan Canada, secured both shots to give the lead back to the Mariners, 100-101. The Lions quickly in-bounded the ball and with three seconds to play in overtime,
William Phelps secured this shot to give the Lions the victory.
Leading the way for the Lions was William Phleps with 27 points,
Omar Outar had 25 points, and
Nehemiah Darrett had a double double, 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lions will be on the road next Saturday, Jan. 26th, as they take on Thomas University at 4:00 p.m. at Thomasville, GA.
GO LIONS!!
