Jan. 10, 2009

Box Score

Lewis 67, Quincy 51 in PDF Format

Romeoville, Ill. - Entering Saturday's game against Quincy, the Lewis University men's basketball had been struggling on the offensive end, as the Flyers had shot 38.5% from the field in their last three contests.

The Flyers placed an emphasis on their defensive effort and the hard work paid off as they held Quincy to 38.5% (20-for-52) shooting from the field on their way to the 67-51 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory at Neil Carey Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's contest marked the second consecutive game that the Flyers had held their opponent to less than 60 points.

"We made it difficult for them to score and that really set the tone," Lewis University head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "If we can defend, rebound and not turn the ball over, that will give us a chance every night out.

"We have to hang our hat on the defensive end and really make a commitment defensively," Trost continued. "Our guys should feel good about themselves and their performance today."

Lewis senior guard Brandon Dagans (Harvey, Ill./Thornton) led all scorers with 21 points, while senior forward Jason Genova (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick/Saint Xavier) added 20 points. Genova converted his 200th career three-pointer in the first half. Sophomore guard Dennis Thomas (Milwaukee, Wis./Bradley Tech) posted 16 points and four assists in the victory.

With the victory, Lewis improves to 9-6 overall and 3-3 in GLVC play, while the Hawks fall to 8-5 on the season and 2-3 in conference action.

Quincy sophomore forward Justin Brock topped four Hawks in double-figures with 13 points, followed by 12 points from Mookie Pierre. Billy Baptist and Tyler Burke each scored 11 points in the loss for the Hawks.

Quincy held the early 23-21 lead following a three-pointer from Pierre with 2:02 left in the first half. The Flyers then went on a 14-0 run, led by five points from Thomas, over the next 2:37 to take control of the game for good. During that span, Quincy went 0-for-3 from the floor and turned the ball over twice.

Lewis' defensive prowess led to some easy buckets for the Flyers, as they shot 52.0% (26-for-50) from the field and 60.9% (14-for-23) from the field in the second half.

Lewis returns to action next Saturday (Jan. 17) as the Flyers welcome UW-Parkside to Neil Carey Arena for a 3 p.m. (CST) tip-off.

A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers nearly 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, accelerated degree completion options for working adults, various aviation programs and 22 graduate programs in nine fields. The 10th largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois is being honored for the fifth consecutive year by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. For more information please visit www.lewisu.edu.

##LEWIS##