Box Score (PDF)
TALLADEGA, Ala. – With the score tied at 63-63 and less than a second left on the clock in regulation, Lyon College men's basketball sophomore guard Ray Price sank a clutch free throw and gave the Scots a 64-63 win over Rust College in the final day of the Talladega College Classic on Saturday.
Lyon improved to 4-1 with the win, while Rust dropped to 0-7.
The game remained close between Lyon and Rust over the final five minutes in the second half as a three-pointer by Quentin Pough brought the Bearcats within three at 58-55. A turnover by the Scots in their next possession led to a game-tying thee pointer for Rust by Elijah Johnson at the 4:04 mark.
Faris Verlasevic gave the Scots the lead once more with a bucket in the paint before Rust overtook the lead in its next possession on a third-straight three-pointer, this time by Jordan Jackson.
Grant Patterson accounted for the next three points for the Scots as Lyon held a 63-61 lead with 2:05 left to play. The score held firm until Terrell Jennings tied the game with a bucket for Rust with nine seconds left.
The Scots raced down the court and Price drew a foul and was able to connect on the second free throw after missing the first to give Lyon the one-point victory.
Rust kept the game close against Lyon for much of the first half until the Scots began to pull away midway through the first half. A three-pointer by Patterson sparked a 9-0 run for the Scots, which was capped off by a jumper by Verlasevicm which gave Lyon a 13-6 lead.
Lyon extended its lead to as many as 11 points in the first half as another three by Patterson put the Scots ahead, 28-11, with 1:53 left. Rust closed the gap to six with a 5-0 run to end the half as Lyon took a 28-22 lead into the break.
Patterson led the way for Lyon with a team-high 15 points, while Verlasevic chipped in 14. Price and Hunter Daley also finished in double-digits with 12 points each.
Jackson led all scorers with a game-high 22 points for Rust.
The Lyon College men's basketball team will open up American Midwest Conference play next week. The Scots will host Lindenwood-Belleville on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Missouri Baptist on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Men's Basketball Contact: Matt Jagodzinski
870-307-7516 | matthew.jagodzinski@lyon.edu
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