Box Score (PDF)

BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Lyon College men's basketball team used a strong first half as the Scots outscored William Woods, 31-16, over the first 20 minutes of play and earned a 63-51 victory in the quarterfinals of the American Midwest Conference Championship on Thursday night at Becknell Gymnasium.

The Scots improved to 11-4 on the season and will host No. 4-seed Columbia College on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

A free throw by Dominique Loyd gave the Scots a slim one-point lead in the first five minutes of the contest before Faris Verlasevic caught fire from the field. The senior accounted for nine-straight points and gave the Scots a 13-3 lead. The Scots extended their lead to 23-8 on a three by Chris Craig before WWU cut the deficit to 10 with just over two minutes left in the half. Lyon took a 31-16 lead at the half against the Owls as Winston Peace knocked down a three from the corner just as time expired in the first half.

The Scots dominated the opening minutes of the second half and extended their lead to 46-22 on a layup by Craig. William Woods pulled back within six points, 56-50, with 1:41 left to play, but the Scots held the Owls to just one point the rest of the way and knocked down some clutch free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.

Verlasevic led the way offensively with a game-high 16 points to go along with seven rebounds. Craig also finished in double figures scoring with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Men's Basketball Contact: Matt Jagodzinski
870-307-7516 | matthew.jagodzinski@lyon.edu
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