JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Four Bobcats scored in double figures, led by
Jamarius Hairston with a game-high 21 points, but it was not enough as host Carson-Newman connected on 16 three-point field goals en route to a 108-75 win over the visiting Bobcats in the season opener for both teams this evening.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Carson-Newman – 108; Lees-McRae – 75
LOCATION: Holt Fieldhouse – Jefferson City, Tennessee
RECORDS: Carson-Newman (1-0), Lees-McRae (0-1)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Hairston led the Bobcats in scoring by going 6 for 12 from the floor and 6 for 8 from the charity stripe.
- London England added 14 points on 3 of 5 shooting from distance to go along with five rebounds, while Drew Gardner chipped in 14 points and three rebounds.
- Jaylin Stewart finished with 10 points and three assists off the bench for Lees-McRae.
- Carson-Newman sprinted out of the gates by scoring 16 of the first 19 points and held off a late rally by the Bobcats to maintain a 47-28 lead after 20 minutes of action.
- After the Eagles scored to open the second half and extend the lead to 21 points, Lees-McRae cut the deficit back to 19 on a fastbreak layup by Hairston.
- Carson-Newman maintained a lead over 20 points for the final 17 minutes to clinch the non-conference victory.
- Lees-McRae shot 43.8 percent from the field, while forcing 16 Eagle turnovers in the contest.
- Carson-Newman shot 59.7 percent from the floor and 57.1 percent from distance.
FOR THE FOES:
- Tripp Davis scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Eagles, while Ren Dyers chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds.
- Bryant Thomas also added 15 points and five rebounds.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats will close out the SAC/Conference Carolinas Challenge tomorrow afternoon as they battle UVA-Wise at 2 p.m. in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
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