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Romeoville, Ill. - The Lewis University men's basketball team used a stifling defense and knocked down 24 free throws as the Flyers gritted out a 62-60 regional victory over Wayne State at Neil Carey Arena on Saturday (Nov. 28) afternoon.

Lewis sophomore Max Strus (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg) led the charge for the Flyers as he notched his third consecutive double-double with 24 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Strus was 12-for-15 from the free throw line and pitched in a team-best four assists, three blocks and two steals. Flyer senior center Kyle Nelson (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) collected 15 points - 14 of which came in the second half - and was 7-for-10 from the free throw line.

As a team, Lewis knocked down a season-high 24 free throws, compared to nine for the Warriors. The Flyers also limited Wayne State to shooting 35.9% (23-for-64) from the field and forced 10 turnovers leading to 60 points.

"We found a way and grinded out another one," Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "We made some plays down the stretch, but we just have to learn and continued to get better.

"We certainly, however, feel good about a win."

With the victory, Lewis extends its winning streak to three and moves to 5-1 on the campaign. Wayne State remains winless at 0-3.

Wayne State reserves Ronald Booth and Chuck Key led the Warriors with 14 points and 11 points respectively.

Despite trailing for a majority of the contest, Wayne State still had a chance to win in the final seconds.

With Lewis holding a 60-56 lead, Booth grabbed an offensive rebound and scored the putback with 13 seconds left to cut the Flyer advantage to two. WSU fouled on the ensuing possession, sending Strus to the line for a pair with 11 ticks left in the game.

Strus split his charity shots to extend Lewis' advantage to 61-58. The Flyers fouled Booth at midcourt and he hit both of his free throws to narrow Lewis' lead to 61-60 with seven seconds left.

Strus, again, split his free throws, pushing the Flyers ahead 62-60 and setting the stage for potential Wayne State heroics. Booth's desperation three-pointer at the buzzer, however, went array and secured the win for Lewis.

Lewis returns to action on Thursday (Dec. 3), as they open up Great Lakes Valley Conference action with a 7:30 PM tip-off against Saint Joseph's in Indiana.