Catherine Rogers
Multimedia Editor
The Bryan College Men’s Basketball Team hosted Maryville (Tenn.) College Monday night, winning their last nonconference game of the season, 79-73, and putting their winning streak total at ten in the last 11 games.
“Maryville was a big game, but every game is big now,” said senior guard Derek Batt. “Maryville is extremely talented and beat us at our last meeting, but we are on a mission this season.”
Speaking about the Lions’ mission, senior point guard Demond Craig said that this game was no different than any other game.
“We must win every time we step on the court,” he said.
In the first half, the Lions and Scots fought incessantly for the lead, but by halftime the Lions had claimed their place, going into the locker rooms with a leading score of 34-29.
The second half saw Maryville challenge the Lions, tying the score and then taking turns with the lead until just over nine minutes were left on the clock. The Lions held the lead until the final buzzer.
Senior forward Scott Newton had a “monster performance,” according to Craig, finishing the game with a season high 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Other key players of the night included senior guard Dominique Clements, who scored 13 points, and senior forward Astral Guerrier, who had a double-double and added 14 points and 12 rebounds
“The team is doing great and I am proud to be a member of it,” said Craig. “This year feels like a special year for Bryan College basketball.”
This week the Lions moved up to rank number 23 in the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. They host their next game against Virginia Intermont College (Bristol, Va.) tonight at 7:30pm.
[Gallery photos by Catherine Rogers]
