KINGSPORT, Tenn. — In their final game of The Show, the No. 3 Freed-Hardeman University Lions were led by the 13-point effort by
Rodney Henderson to blow past the Columbia (S.C.) College Koalas, 86-51, on Saturday.
The start could not have been better for the Lions (11-1), who found themselves ahead 12-0 thanks to back-to-back triples from
Jailen Anderson and
Blake Dean. FHU held the opposition scoreless for the first five minutes of the contest, forcing the Koalas to start the game 0-6 from the field. Though Columbia scored back-to-back layups, FHU was not satisfied with their lead: going on a 10-point run with
Lane Lauderbaugh's free throws putting the Lions on top 22-4.
Sam Powell netted a triple at 8:52 to push the Lions to a 20-point lead. Lauderbaugh sank a 3-pointer of his own in the final minute to end the half leading 40-21.
Caleb Thomas came out of the locker room with a layup and a 3-pointer to put the FHU lead over Columbia (3-8) at 21 points.
Jamarcus Powell's layup at 11:58 opened a 9-0 run that was capped by a triple from
DJ McIntyre. Henderson tallied six points in the final five minutes of the game to help the Lions emerge victorious in the 86-51 victory.
FHU forced 32 turnovers in the contest while holding the Koalas to a 36% shooting night from the floor. FHU's teamwork was on display as the Lions dished out a season-high 21 assists, led by
Jailen Anderson's five.
Rodney Henderson went 6-8 from the field to lead FHU with 13 points while three different Lions ended with 11 points:
Phil Horton,
Sam Powell, and
Caleb Thomas. Henderson also led things defensively with five steals.
Up Next
The Lions visit St. Louis on December 4 to face the Hornets of Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University before returning to Henderson to battle the Central Baptist (Ark.) College Mustangs on December 6.
