The men's basketball team defeated Lynchburg, 85-79 at Turner Gym in Lynchburg, Va. on Monday evening. The Maroons ended a three-game skid and improved to 16-7, 10-6 in the ODAC. The Hornets dropped to 3-19 and 1-14 in ODAC play. It was the second-straight year that Roanoke won at least 10 conference games, which hasn't been done since 2001-03.

The Maroons shot an amazing season-best 71% from the floor and 50-percent for the game. The Maroons are now 7-0 when shooting 50-percent or better and won their first game when trailing at the half (1-6). They were also an astounding 75-percent (6-of-8) from three-point range in the second half and 48% for the game (11-of-23). They are also 12-0 when having more than 15 assists (22) and 13-0 when scoring more than 70 points this season.

The Hornets blistered the nets in the first half, shooting 54% from the floor, including 42% from three-point range to give them a 40-35 lead at the half. It was the fifth time in the last seven games that the Maroons have trailed going into the second half and have not won when trailing at the half this season (0-6). The Maroons were held to a mere 34% from the field and were out rebounded, 22-16.

The Hornets had three players score in double figures in the first half led by Kwame Safo with 15. Mason Woolridge and Steven Echols chipped in 11 points each in the first 20 minutes.

The Hornets gave the Maroons all they could handle in the second half. The game was knotted at 64-apiece with seven minutes left before the men pulled away with a 14-0 run over the next four minutes to give them a 78-64 lead with three minutes left to play.

The Hornets responded with a 15-5 run to put them within four, 83-79 with 20 seconds remaining. Free throws wouldn't be an issue as Keith Carter hit his final two free throws to seal the Maroons 16^th victory.

Josh LaPorte and Melvin Felix each notched career highs of 26 and 23 points, respectively. Felix was perfect for the game until 20-seconds remaining when he missed a free throw. He was 6-of-6 from the floor, 4-of-4 from beyond the arc and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. LaPorte finished with eight rebounds and a career-high eight assists.

Ben Shrader hit two three-pointers to move into second on the all-time list with 160 career three-pointers made. Zach Milton finished with 11 points while newcomer Matt Crizer had four points and three rebounds in his first collegiate start. It was the first time a freshman has entered the starting lineup since the 2005-06 season. In fact, to start the second half, the Maroons had two freshmen start the second half.

Safo finished with 24 points and six rebounds. Both Woolridge and Echols were held to four points each in the second half but had 15 points apiece. Woolridge had a game-high 13 rebounds for the Hornets.

The Maroons will host Bridgewater as they will honor the five seniors on senior night on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Roanoke holds a 96-30 all-time advantage against Bridgewater, including the last six-straight. They won, 76-55 in Harrisonburg, Va. back on Jan. 30. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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