For immediate release – 2/16/2013 - #245
Strong First Half Not Enough as Hornets Fall 71-54 to Virginia Wesleyan

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Lynchburg College men's basketball team had a strong first half against Virginia Wesleyan College, but was outscored 32-7 to start the second half, falling 71-54 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play.

The Hornets took their first lead of the game nine minutes in, when a jumper by senior Austin Chillemi gave LC an early 9-8 lead.

Virginia Wesleyan held a 28-22 lead with 4:45 remaining before Lynchburg went on a 14-0 run to end the half.

Junior Andrew Simmons got the run started with a pair of free throws before assisting on a three-pointer by junior Manny Hernandez. A layup by Chillemi and another trifecta from Hernandez gave Lynchburg the lead, 32-28, with 1:35 until halftime.

A pair of baskets by freshmen Tyri Morring and Alex Graves extended the Hornets an eight point lead to end the run.

Chillemi opened the second half with a free throw, giving Lynchburg its largest lead, 37-28, eight seconds into the period.

The Marlins cut away at the lead, taking a two point advantage, before freshman Austen Arnold hit a jumper to tie the game at 39 apiece. Lynchburg was held without a field goal for a 10-minute span following the Arnold basket, allowing for the Marlin run.

Lynchburg (18-7/9-7) was led by Chillemi's fourth double-double of the season. The big man led the Hornets with 20 points and 13 boards while Simmons and Hernandez provided eight points each.

Chris Teasley and DJ Woodmore each scored 15 points for the Marlins (19-6/14-2) while Woodmore added a team-high eight rebounds. Tre' Ford rounded out the Marlins in double-figures with 12 points and a game-high five assists.

Lynchburg will return home for the first round of the ODAC Tournament against Shenandoah University on Monday at 7 p.m.