LWC Men’s Basketball Ends Season in MSC Tournament

 The Lindsey Wilson College men’s basketball team’s season ended today with a 76-69 loss to Pikeville (Ky.) College in the opening round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament at the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center.
The Blue Raiders finish the season 16-15.
Fourth-seeded Pikeville (22-8) advances to Sunday’s semifinals against top-seeded Georgetown (Ky.) College.
After trailing 24-14 with more than eight minutes left in the first half, Lindsey Wilson used an 19-2 run to close the half and take a 33-26 lead into the locker room.
Out of the break, Pikeville found its offensive stride scoring on 10 of its first 13 possessions of the second half. The Bears regained the lead with 14:46 on a three-pointer by junior forward William Harris. Harris finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bears made 65.2 percent (15-of-23) in the second half, including 5-for-8 from three-point range en route to scoring 50 points after the break.
Pikeville extended its lead to six (53-47) before Lindsey Wilson used a 7-0 run -- thanks in large part to junior guard George White -- to take its final lead of the game with 10:47 left. White finished with a team-high 21 points.
The Bears sprinted back to a seven point advantage (64-57) with 5:58 before Lindsey Wilson senior guard Donte’ Williams and sophomore guard Jeff Vories scored back-to-back fastbreak lay-ups. Williams -- playing his final collegiate game -- scored 20 points.
The two teams exchanged baskets down the stretch before Lindsey Wilson sophomore Stefan Juzbasic’s put-back cut the Pikeville lead to 72-69 with 1:17 left.
Pikeville freshman Justin Hicks hit 4-of-4 from the free throw line inside the final minute to secure the 76-69 win. Hicks finished with 13 points.
Lindsey Wilson junior center Sam Walton joined White and Williams in double figures with 12 points. Pikeville senior center Jeff Ferguson ended with 25 points and 10 rebounds.