HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The No. 5 Freed-Hardeman University Lion basketball team had five different players end the season premiere with at least 10 points as the Lions defeated the Ambassadors of Oakwood (Ala.) University 76-55.
After made free throws began the season for the Lions, (1-0) it was
Rico Sain that sank a 3-pointer to give FHU their first field goal of the new season.
Rodney Henderson and Sain both connected for jumpers in the paint to push the Lions to a 9-1 lead after five minutes.
Sam Powell had a productive stretch where he netted 11 points in three minutes including three long balls. Lane Laughderbaugh's 3-pointer at 7:24 gave the men in maroon a 25-13 edge. Henderson was joined by
Blake Dean with baskets down the stretch before good free throws gave FHU a 36-25 halftime lead.
Freed-Hardeman's defense stood strong in the second half by holding Oakwood (0-2) to an 0-8 start from the floor while keeping the Ambassadors off the scoreboard completely for the first four minutes of the second act.
Jamarcus Powell had a steal and a dunk at 14:19 before Lauderbaugh sparked a seven-point run the Lions that ended with FHU leading 57-33. Oakwood had a late flurry, but Sain's last-minute layups secured the 21-point victory.
Sam Powell led FHU's offensive output with 15 points followed by
Jamarcus Powell's 13-point debut.
DJ McIntyre and
Rico Sain each tallied 11 points while
Lane Lauderbaugh scored 10.
Rodney Henderson and
Cam Hudson joined S. Powell with a team-high seven rebounds.
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Up Next
FHU will take a short rest before back-to-back games at the Brewer Sports Center against Welch (Tenn.) College on October 31 before hosting Montreat (N.C.) College on November 1.
