Men's Basketball Stymie Bryan

ATHENS, Tenn.- The men's basketball team flexed their muscles on their rival on Wednesday. The team defeated the Bryan College Lions, the leaders in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings, 85-71. 

Armando Cuardado scored the first eight points for the Bulldogs, including the first six points of the game. Back-to-back baskets by Amauri Young kept TWU in front, moving the lead to 12-6. Consecutive three-pointers by Young and Reshaun Hampton helped the Bulldogs hold the lead, a 25-22 score with 7:23 remaining in the first half. Jay Reed put Tennessee Wesleyan ahead 31-26, and Peyton West layup near the end of the half gave the team a 36-32 lead at the break. 

Ty Hurst scored the first five points of the second half with a three-pointer and two free throws to move the lead to 41-32. The first double-digit lead of the game occurred for the Bulldogs on Cuardado's layup making the score 43-33. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the double-digit lead did not remain as the opponents battled back and took a 50-49 advantage with 12:13 remaining in the game. Hurst's jump shot put the Bulldogs back on top though and three consecutive three-pointers by the combo of Hampton and Young helped the team lead 61-57. After the visitors took a 62-61 lead, the Bulldogs went on a run. Over the remaining 7:21, TWU outscored the Lions 23-10, with shots from West and Young along with free throws by Reed and Young playing a big part in helping the team to their 14-point victory.

Six players finished with double figures, led by Young's 20 points while West (18), Reed (12), Hampton (11), Cuardado (10), and Hurst (10) were the other five in double-digits.

Tennessee Wesleyan (5-9, 4-5 AAC) goes back on the road for their next game on Saturday. The team will face the University of Pikeville at 2:00 p.m.