Box Score HENDERSON, Tenn. - It took 40 minutes of a physical battle, but the Freed-Hardeman Lions moved back into fifth place in the TranSouth Conference.
The Lions (18-9, 10-8) slowly pulled away from visiting Mid-Continent University (Ky.) in the first half, building a 47-33 advantage at the break. The Cougars would cut the deficit down to eight points on several occasions but FHU was able to take advantage of numerous trips to the foul line to put together a 99-81 win.
The win put FHU back into fifth place in the conference, a half game ahead of Crichton College (Tenn.), which lost in overtime to Union University, 106-105, earlier in the day.
FHU made a living from the foul line, making 35-of-43 free throws. The Lions shot 32 free throws in the second half.
Zack Frey led all scorers with 20 points, 14 of which came from the free throw line. Cedric Austin scored a career-high 19 points and grabbed five steals. Kristoffer Smith added 18, 12 of which came in the first half, and Kirtiss Brown scored 11. Tiron Peoples led MCU with 19 points.
It was also the final regular season home game for seniors Brent McPherson and Faruk Basic.
The Lions hit the road on Thursday, travelling to Lyon College (Ark.) for an 8:00 PM tip-off, then finish the regular season on Saturday against Crichton College (Tenn.) in Memphis. The Lions can equal the most conference wins in program history with victories in both games.
