SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team was able to hang on to defeat Drury 69-67 on Saturday (Feb. 1).

TEAM RECORDS
Lewis 13-6, 8-4 GLVC | Drury 10-10, 5-8 GLVC
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. DRURY
Points: Anthony Sayles Jr. (Evanston, Ill./Notre Dame Prep) (19), Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) (16), Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill./Kankakee CC) (15)
Rebounds: Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (9)
Assists: Renfro (5)
Steals: Warden (2)
Blocks: Renfro (1), Stroud (1)

GAME SUMMARY
Drury led 15-13 early with 11:15 in the first half. Lewis responded with a 9-1 run the next 4:16 including seven points from Sayles Jr to give the Flyers a 24-16 lead with 6:59 to play in the first half.

The Panthers recorded the next basket before the Flyers picked up three straight buckets to make it 30-18 at the 3:31 mark in the first half. Drury tried to cut into the deficit but Lewis was one step ahead.

Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) was able to end the first half for the Flyers with a basket in the closing seconds heading into the break with the Flyers up 36-23.

Drury made it down to 42-39 aftter making a run to start the second half. Warden looked to get the Flyers back on track after making a layup. 

Moments later, the Panthers cut it down to one (45-44) before Lewis scored seven straight including four from Warden and a three by Vanderheydt to make it 52-44 with 11:22 remaining in the contest.

Stroud knocked down a pair at the free-throw line which made it 63-57 with 3:18 left. Drury tied the game with back-to-back threes with 2:32 to play. 

Drury was able to grab a 67-66 lead with 47 seconds left after making a layup. Warden was able to respond with a layup of his own to give Lewis back the lead at 68-67.

The Flyers were able to stop the Panthers for making another basket as Lewis won the game 69-67. 

UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action at Neil Carey Arena Thursday, February 6 as the Flyers host Missouri-St. Louis starting at 7:30 p.m. CT. It will be the Christian Brothers Bash and White Out!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Saturday, February 8 as we induct our newest members of the Academy of Coaches at halftime of the women's basketball game against Lincoln.
 
FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund