By Jeremy Wright
Sports Information Intern
The Freed-Hardeman University men’s basketball team (1-1) defeated Crowley’s Ridge College (0-4) 120-83 on Homecoming.
The Lions were able to win their home opener in impressive fashion, setting a new single-game program record with 22 shots made from deep.
The Lions had five players score in double figures in the contest. John Musselwhite led the way in scoring with 28 points, shooting 11-for-16 from the field. Bryan Battle posted his second double-double in as many games, scoring 24 points and adding 14 rebounds.
Kortland Martin had 21 points in the game, and freshmen Logan Bonds and Hunter Scurlock made their presence known on the court, as Scurlock had 18 points and five steals, and Bonds finished with 10 points.
The Lions got off to a hot start to begin the game, going up by as many as 15 in the first half. Crowley’s Ridge would respond and cut the lead to four before the Lions would go on a run right before halftime to go up by 13 heading into the break.
To start the second half, the Lions would go on a defensive blitzkrieg, as the Lions forced turnovers on the first six Crowley’s Ridge possessions.
While getting stops on the defensive end, three’s were pouring in for the Lions, as the team pulled away and never looked back.
The Lions shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from three. They also forced 19 Crowley’s Ridge turnovers in first-year head coach Drew Stutt’s first career win.
The Lions will be back in action today, Nov. 14, as they travel to play future Mid-South Conference opponent No. 16 Bethel University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
