LEBANON, Ill. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team got back on track as the Flyers defeated McKendree 69-64 Thursday (Feb. 13).

TEAM RECORDS
Lewis 14-7, 9-5 GLVC | McKendree 11-11, 8-7 GLVC
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. McKendree
Points: Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill./Kankakee CC) (27), Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) (17)
Rebounds: Jaylin Gibson (Evanston,IL/Evanston Township) (8)
Assists: Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (3)
Steals: Stroud (2)
Blocks: Stroud (1), Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) (1)

GAME SUMMARY
Lewis jumped out to an early 7-0 lead to start the contest after a three-pointer by Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) and back-to-back buckets by Stroud. The Flyers extended its lead out to 13-4 after Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) and Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) converted on back-to-back shots.

McKendree went on a 10-2 run to cut it down to one and made it 15-14 Flyers with 11:23 remaining in the first half. Moments later of some back-and-forth action then the Bearcats went ahead 28-23. 

Lewis got within two after a three-pointer by Anthony Sayles Jr. (Evanston, Ill./Notre Dame Prep) The Bearcats scored five straight to pull ahead by seven (33-26) with 2:58 remaining in the half.

The Flyers went into the break with six straight, including four from Stroud, to make it a one-point game (33-32). 

McKendree went on a 6-2 run to start the second half to give the Bearcats a 39-34 advantage. Lewis. Stroud scored the next four out of five points to tie the contest back up.

The Flyers regained a 45-44 lead after Vanderheydt knocked down a pair at the line with 13:25 left in the contest. McKendree grabbed a 52-50 lead with 9:09 remaining.

Lewis got the next two baskets after a Vanderheydt three-pointer and a jumpshot by Gibson to make it 55-52 at the 8:17 mark. The Bearcats quickly tied it but had the upper hand including an and-one by Vanderheydt. 

McKendree scored five straight to grab a 62-61 lead with 2:18 to play in the game. Stroud took over and scored six straight after three buckets to give the Flyers a 67-62 advantage with 16 seconds remaining. 

The Bearcats scored the next bucket but then Sayles sealed the game after knocking down a pair at the line. Lewis went on to win 69-64.
 
UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action Saturday, February 15 as the Flyers travel to Maryville to take on the Saints starting at 3 p.m. CT.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Wednesday, March 26 as we induct our newest inductees of the Athletics Hall of Fame at the Flyer Red Dinner at Bolingbrook Golf Club starting at 6 p.m. CT. Purchase tickets at https://lewisflyers.com/2025FlyerRedDinner
 
FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund