JOLIET, Ill. — The 11th ranked Freed-Hardeman University Lions returned to action in the St. Francis University New Year's Classic. Six Lions recorded double digits as FHU romped to a 117-46 win over the East-West (Ill.) University Phantoms.

The first half featured several double-digit runs by the Lions (11-2) With Ryley McClaran's 3-pointer starting an 18-0 run which ended with an EWU layup at 14:09 to see the Lions lead 20-4. Gerlado Lane's layup began a 14-point unanswered streak with Hunter Scurlock's layup at 9:04 putting FHU on top 34-4. Peyton Law's dunk at 5:55 ended a 12-point run to see the Lions extend their lead to 41 with a 46-5 score. Lane's dunk ended the Lion's first half with a 53-14 lead.

While the Lions tallied three 3-pointers in the first half, FHU exploded to bucket seven long balls in the second half, led by Chase Fiddler's three makes. While East-West (0-20) put up 34 bench points, the Phantoms were no match to the Lions, with FHU ending the game with a 12-0 run - capped by JJ Wheat's layup - to end the 117-46 win.

The Lions dominated every statistical category, out-rebounding EWU 54-34, forcing 25 turnovers while committing eight, and collecting 15 steals to the Phantoms' four.

Gerlado Lane led the onslaught with 20 points, going 7-10 from the floor. Phil Horton and JJ Wheat followed with 19 points each. Chase Fiddler collected 13 points for the Lions while Hunter Scurlock tallied 11. Ryley McClaran was the sixth Lion in double figures with 10 points. Lane led at the glass with eight rebounds. Wheat led the way with six assists and four steals.
 

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Up Next

Freed-Hardeman will play one more time in 2023, facing the Fighting Saints of St. Francis (Ill.) University on Sunday, December 31, at 1:00 p.m.