For immediate release – 11/15/2013 - #129
Thiel Defeats Lynchburg Men 72-69

NEW WILMINGTON, PA - The Lynchburg College men's basketball team almost came all the way back from a 20-point deficit Friday evening, but Thiel College held on for a 72-69 victory in the first day of the Westminster College Classic.

The Hornets opened a 13-4 advantage in the first half, but the Tomcats went on a 42-13 run to take a 20-point lead (46-26) lead just before intermission.

Lynchburg fought back to within one point in the closing minute of the game. Thiel hit a pair of free throws in the finals seconds and two LC three-pointers to tie the game and force overtime did not convert.

Sophomore forward Alex Graves had game-highs on the evening with 20 points and 12 rebounds on 10-of-16 shooting. Gary Boone II had 10 points and seven rebounds while Andrew Simmons contributed 10 points and five assists. Austen Arnold had eight points and four rebounds.

Khari Bess posted 16 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Tomcats (1-0). Josh Johnson tallied 14 points and seven rebounds while Luke Kochler added 12 points and seven boards.

The Hornets (0-1) will face the host, Westminster College, Saturday at 4 p.m.