Feb. 15, 2006

Final Stats

ADA, Okla. - After East Central defeated No. 1 Southeastern in the LSC North Monday night, the Tigers were feeling pretty confident that they could tie the Lions in their first series between A&M-Commerce in North Division play, but the Lions had another plan in mind.

Chris Fantroy and Lamar Searight scored the final three points of the game to give the Lions a must win over East Central. After being down 38-29 at the half, the Lions came back to pull within one just five minutes into the second half, when Jermart Miller dialed from long distance for a 42-41 score. A&M-Commerce continued to trail by as little as one point, but with 6:40 left in the game, Miller came back to score another 3-point shot to give the Lions a three-point lead and take command of the game. Once Miller hit that shot, the Lions never allowed the Tigers to tie the game.

With 2:51 left ECU's Jason Schroeder attempted to give the Tigers an advantage when he was drew a foul on Lamar Searight from behind the arc, shooting all three shots for a 66-65 score. One minute later, Jason Rabb hit a shot from the baseline to give the Lions a three-point lead and give the Lions a boost to their 15th win of the season. Rabb came back 12 seconds later to force an ECU turnover when he stole the ball from Dominique Williams to set Jermart Miller up on a jumper to put the Lions up by five, 70-65.

A&M-Commerce ended the night shooting over 40 percent from the field at 45, going 26-of-58 with 34 total boards. The Lions are now 11-4 in the season when shooting over 40 percent.

Three Lions scored in double figures for the night, with Lamar Searight leading all Lion scorers with 25 points. Senior Jermart Miller brought in 21 points and Jason Rabb scored 12.

Jason Thomas led all Tiger scorers with 21 points, while Terrell Carpenter scored 12 and Chris Bingle tossed in 10.

The Lions will return home as the fight for the LSC North continues. They will face LSC North, No. 1 Southeastern at the Field House Saturday afternoon for a 4 p.m. tip-off. Head coach Sam Walker will be honoring former head coach Paul Peak and the 1996 basketball team in honor of their 10th anniversary. For tickets call the athletic department at (903) 886-5558.