March 4, 2008

Box Score

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Losing streak? What losing streak?

Junior Jason Genova scored a game-high 21 points, hitting 9-of-11 from the field, and senior Stephan Bolt recorded a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds as the Lewis Flyers battled from behind to claim a stunning 80-76 upset of No. 1 seed Northern Kentucky, Tuesday evening in the opening round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament.

The Flyers (19-9) snapped a four-game losing streak and now move on to face Saint Joseph's in the semifinal round on Saturday. Saint Joseph's defeated SIU Edwardsville 73-71 to advance to the semifinals. The game will be played at Drury University.

The Flyers trailed Northern Kentucky by as many as 11 points in the first half and eight in the second before battling back to take the lead with just minutes remaining. Junior Ryan Sharp tied the game at 65 all by making a pair of free throws with 5:44 left. He then grabbed a big defensive rebound on the other end to set up Brandon Dagans with a go-ahead layup.

Northern Kentucky managed to re-tie the game two times over the next few minutes, but Genova put Lewis in front for good with a fade-away 3-pointer from the top of the circle with 42 seconds remaining. Dagans hit four clutch free throws down the stretch to protect the victory.

Genova's 9-of-11 effort included 3-of-3 from 3-point range. Bolt shot 7-of-15 from the field and hit 4-of-5 at the line. Dagans added 17 points, hitting all eight of his free throws. Freshman Dennis Thomas, Jr. scored 14 points.

Northern Kentucky got off to a hot start from the floor, hitting 10 of their 13 treys in the first half. But the Flyers withstood the barrage and closed the half on a 16-5 run to tie the score 42-42 at intermission.

Lewis hit 18-of-20 at the foul line, while limiting the Norse to 7-of-10 at the stripe. Lewis also forced nine Norse turnovers.

Game time for Saturday is to be announced.