The Lees-McRae College Bobcats men's team lost in the final
seconds, 70-66 Saturday afternoon hosting Brevard College in
non-conference men's basketball action. The Bobcats fall to 3-13,
(2-8 CVAC) while the Tornados improve to 7-11.
The visiting Tornado grabbed the early lead just a minute a half
lead and coasted through the first half. The visiting Tornado
managed the largest lead in the game, twelve, in the first half
before the Bobcats came clawing back. With just over four minutes
to play, Stephen Haymer got things started with 2:52 in the half,
drawing a foul to complete the three point play. Henry Williams
would take a charge from Brian Davison, regaining possession for
the Bobcats who looked to the hands of Aaron Dugger for a second
three point play. Dugger's shot from behind the arc bounced in and
out of the hoop, but Haymer was there for the put back to pull
Lees-McRae within six. The teams would trade baskets in the final
minute before halftime, with the Tornado leading 36-30.
The Bobcats would start the second a little sluggish, allowing
the Tornado to extend their lead to nine. Slowly but surely, the
Bobcats would chip away at the deficit through the first eleven
minutes. With 8:56 to play, Haymer would again be the culprit,
giving the Bobcats their first lead 53-52, since Darius Roper's
game opening field goal. Four lead changes and seven ties. A
Jonathan Whitson field goal with 0:29 seconds to play gave the
Tornado the 68-66 lead. Henry Williams had the chance to tie for
the Bobcats with four seconds to play but was unable to connect on
both of his free throw attempts. Dugger sent the Tornado's Nathan
Whitmire to the line in the final seconds, sealing the victory for
the visitors connecting on both of his free throws.
Brevard was led by Whitmire's game highs in points, 18, and
rebounds, six. Darin Dellenger chipped in 15 for the Tornado while
Whitson managed 12.
Haymer, (pictured top left), paced the Bobcats with 15 points
and four rebounds while Pete Dunbar drained 14 and a pulled down a
team high five boards. Williams and Blake Carr contributed nine
points each, with Carr scoring all of his from behind the arc.
The Bobcats will travel to Anderson Monday evening for a 7:00pm
tip off, looking to get back into the win column. The Trojans and
Bobcats met the second game of the year at Williams Gymnasium with
Lees-McRae earning the 63-42 victory.
