The No. 5 Freed-Hardeman University Lion basketball team had five different players end the season premiere with at least 10 points as the Lions defeated the Ambassadors of Oakwood (Ala.) University 76-55.
After made free throws began the season for the Lions, (1-0) it was Rico Sain that sank a 3-pointer to give FHU their first field goal of the new season. Rodney Henderson and Sain both connected for jumpers in the paint to push the Lions to a 9-1 lead after five minutes. Sam Powell had a productive stretch where he netted 11 points in three minutes including three long balls. Lane Laughderbaugh’s 3-pointer at 7:24 gave the men in maroon a 25-13 edge. Henderson was joined by Blake Dean with baskets down the stretch before good free throws gave FHU a 36-25 halftime lead.
Freed-Hardeman’s defense stood strong in the second half by holding Oakwood (0-2) to an 0-8 start from the floor while keeping the Ambassadors off the scoreboard completely for the first four minutes of the second act. Jamarcus Powell had a steal and a dunk at 14:19 before Lauderbaugh sparked a seven-point run the Lions that ended with FHU leading 57-33. Oakwood had a late flurry, but Sain’s last-minute layups secured the 21-point victory.
Sam Powell led FHU’s offensive output with 15 points followed by Jamarcus Powell’s 13-point debut. DJ McIntyre and Rico Sain each tallied 11 points while Lane Lauderbaugh scored 10. Rodney Henderson and Cam Hudson joined S. Powell with a team-high seven rebounds.
Up Next - FHU will take a short rest before back-to-back games at the Brewer Sports Center against Welch (Tenn.) College on Oct. 31 before hosting Montreat (N.C.) College on Nov. 1.
