ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Lewis' men's basketball team tips off a four-game homestand on Thursday hosting GLVC newcomer Lindenwood on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Neil Carey Arena. The homestand continues on Saturday when the No. 18 Missouri-St. Louis Tritons visit Neil Carey Arena for a 3 p.m. tip-off.
Last Time Out – The Flyers snapped a four-game road losing streak and a two-game losing streak overall with a 71-62 win at Illinois Springfield on Monday evening to improve to 9-7 and 4-4 in the GLVC.
Anthony D'Avanzo (Harwood Heights, Ill./Notre Dame) led Lewis with 19 points while Artese Stapleon added 15 points and
Adam Pischke (Cary, Ill./Marian Central Catholic) dropped in 14 points.
Tough Road Ahead – Beginning Saturday two of Lewis' next three games are against teams ranked in the latest NABC/Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll. Missouri-St. Louis checks in at No. 18 this week while Bellarmine is ranked first.
Cleaning The Glass – D'Avanzo is third in the GLVC in rebounding with 7.8 per contest and leads the league in defensive rebounds per game with 7.19.
Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week – Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week is a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer! Coaches and their staff across the nation wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and help saves lives from cancer by raising funds and encouraging people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screening and early detection.
Alumni Day – Saturday's game against the Tritons will be Lewis Athletic Alumni Day at Lewis. Men's basketball alums in attendance will be recognized during timeouts of the men's game. At halftime, the second class of the Lewis Academy of Coaches will be recognized in an on-court ceremony. Following the game there will be an Alumni Day Reception in Memorial Hall from 5-7 p.m.
About Lindenwood – The Lions (8-8, 2-6 GLVC) have lost five straight heading into Thursday's contest against the Flyers. TJ Crocker is tied with Truman State's Broderic Thomas for the leading scorer in the conference at 21.0 points per game. Vijay Blackman is eighth in the GLVC in scoring at 16.2 points per outing. Crockett also leads the team in rebounding with 4.8 per contest.
Series vs. Lindenwood – Thursday's contest marks the first meeting all-time between Lewis and Lindenwood.
About Missouri-St. Louis – The Tritons enter Thursday's game at Illinois Springfield with a record of 16-2 and are tied for first in the GLVC standings with a mark of 7-1. UMSL has won 15 of its last 16 games with its only loss in that stretch coming at top ranked Bellarmine last Thursday 65-60. The Tritons have a balanced offensive attack with four players averaging double figures in scoring. Jose Grubbs leads the team with 12.8 points per contest while Yaakema Rose Jr. is adding 12.7 points per outing. Jalen Wilkins-McCoy leads the team in rebounding with 6.1 per contest.
Series vs. Missouri-St. Louis – Lewis leads the all-time series with Missouri-St. Louis 24-8 but the two sides have split the last 10 meetings. Last season the Flyers defeated the Tritons 63-49 at Neil Carey Arena.
Up Next – Lewis hosts Indianapolis and Bellarmine next weekend to conclude its four-game homestand.
