Posted by George Starr - Wed, Mar 5, 2008 - [ Men's Basketball ] - Viewed 361 times

The Lee University Flames advanced to the semi-final round of the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament by defeating Southern Wesleyan University 98-73 on Wednesday evening in Walker Arena.

The Flames, ranked No. 2 in the final NAIA national poll, improved to 29-1 on the year and will face Shorter College on Friday at 7:45. Shorter advanced by upsetting Berry College in an earlier game on Wednesday.

Lee moved on top 49-27 at halftime and were never seriously challenged by the Warriors. Freddie Williams set the scoring pace for the Flames with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. He made an impressive 9-of-13 shots from the field as the Flames finished the contest with a 48 percent (42-of-87) from the field.

Elmar Kuli-Zade followed Williams closely in the scoring department. The junior point guard, who was named the SSAC Newcomer of the Year, recorded 18 points. He also claimed three rebounds, dished off an impressive six assists and came away with one steal.

Brad Harris, the SSAC Player of the Year, rounded out Lee's double-figure attack with 15 points. He also contributed four assists and a steal. The Flames had 13 players score in the game and post players Desmond Blue and Harold Griffin added eight markers apiece. Kellen Pickel had a season high eight rebounds and tallied seven points to go along with two assists and a steal.

However, coach Tommy Brown expressed disappointment with Lee's defensive play, especially in the second half. Darryl Edwards gave the Flames all kinds of problems and finished the game with 20 points and three assists. Aramus Smith also had a big game with 16 points and two assists, while big Jermaine Harris also tallied in double figures with 12 markers and six rebounds.

Southern Wesleyan stayed in the game by shooting 45 percent from the field (25-of-55). The Warriors also went to the free throw line 32 times and made 19. On the other hand, the Flames only received 16 charity tosses but only made eight of the attempts.

Lee completely dominated the backboards, 49-30. The Flames had a remarkable 22 offensive boards. Coach Brown also was not pleased with the way his Flames took care of the basketball. They committed 23 floor mistakes, while Southern Wesleyan was guilty of 19.

"We will certainly have to play much better to beat Shorter on Friday," said Brown. "I was really impressed with the way they played earlier today. They know they are fighting for a spot in the national tournament and so does Faulkner and Emmanuel."