PIKEVILLE, KY - In a game that could have big implications in the Mid-South Conference, the Freed-Hardeman Lions (13-9, 8-7 MSC) defeated the University of Pikeville (14-7, 7-6 MSC) by a final score of 85-78 on Monday night. It was the final game of a 3-game road trip for the Lions in which they finished 2-1 overall.

The Lions came out of the gate shooting well. The Lions built a 30-18 lead over Pikeville with 6:34 remaining in the first half off a Hunter Scurlock tip-in. FHU finished the first half shooting 57.6 percent from the floor. Wanya King scored 11 points including 3 for 4 from the 3-point line helping lead the Lions to a 43-36 halftime lead.

The second half was back-and-forth. Neither team was able to get on a long run and build a large lead. Pikeville was able to cut the Freed-Hardeman lead to only four with 1:31 remaining, 76-72. However, a key Geraldo Lane layup to go along with defensive stops and perfect free throw shooting down the stretch helped the Lions close out the game with an 85-78 victory

Wanya King led the Lions in only 15 minutes off the bench with 19 points including 5 makes from behind the arc. Kortland Martin finished close behind with 15 points of his own to go along with 4 steals. Hunter Scurlock and Geraldo Lane both finished in double figures for the Lions with 12 and 11 respectively.

UP NEXT: The Lions return home to face Tennessee Southern in another big Mid-South Conference matchup at the Brewer Sports Center on Thursday with tip-off slated for 8 PM.