Hornets Go Undefeated in Non-Conference Play, Down Marymount (VA) 69-62

For immediate release- 12/30/2012 - #201
Hornets Go Undefeated in Non-Conference Play, Down Marymount (VA) 69-62

LYNCHBURG, VA – The Lynchburg College men's basketball team found itself trailing visiting Marymount (Va.) University .by four points at halftime on Sunday, but a second half onslaught gave the Hornets the 69-62 victory.

The win had special meaning as this is the first time the Hornets have been undefeated in non-conference play. Lynchburg started keeping records in 1976-77.

Lynchburg took an early eight-point lead in the game, but the Saints were able to answer, going on a 20-7 run down the stretch to take their largest lead of the game, 31-24, with 4:19 to play in the first half.

The Hornets started the second half on an 8-0 run thanks to two jumpers by junior Manny Hernandez and layups from junior Xavier Parham and senior Austin Chillemi.

Marymount charged back with a layup by Jesse Konadu, followed up with a Timothy Brisco three-pointer to give the Saints its last lead of the game, 43-42.

Hornet senior Michael Wims assumed control of the game for the Hornets, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers and scoring 11 points in a row for LC, giving the home team a 53-47 lead. Marymount would get within one point on a JC Hoellich layup, but freshman Austen Arnold buried a three with 6:18 remaining to crush the Saint rally.

Wims led the Hornets (9-2) with 18 points and seven boards. Chillemi contributed 16 points and six rebounds to the LC effort. Hernandez was the only other Hornet in double figures with 10 points. Parham ended the game with a season-high seven steals, two away from tying the school record set by himself and two others. He also contributed nine points, ten assists, and four boards.

Konadu had 15 points to lead Marymount (3-8). Reed Scott collected a double-double with 12 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

Lynchburg's next game will be at home on Wednesday, January 2 for a 4 p.m. opening tip as the Hornets take on Bridgewater College in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference contest.