Second Half Surge Lifts 'Roos Over Lyon

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team used a big second half surge to swing the momentum and come away with a 74-71 win over visitign Lyon College on Sunday afternoon in Hughey Gym, avenging a season-opening loss to the Scots on the road in November. The victory improves the 'Roos to 2-4 on the season, while the Scots drop to 7-2.

Austin College utilized a blistering offensive performance, shooting 56.1% from the field to offset Lyon's dominance on the glass. While the Scots outrebounded the 'Roos 45-27, including pulling down 23 offensive boards, they struggled to convert around the basket against the Austin College interior defense. The 'Roos recorded a season-high 12 blocked shots in the contest, led by Ethan Pearce, who swatted away five attempts.

The game was a tight affair throughout, featuring five ties and three lead changes. Austin College started fast, building a nine-point advantage midway through the first half, but Lyon responded with a run of their own to take a 39-36 lead into the intermission.

The second half remained a back-and-forth battle until late in the period. Tasshir Pina-Warren delivered the decisive blow for the 'Roos with 1:39 remaining, converting a layup and the subsequent free throw to complete the three-point-play and extend the Austin College lead to 74-66. Lyon refused to go quietly, getting a three-pointer from Camron Williford and a late layup from Stephen Reed to cut the deficit to three, but the 'Roos defense held firm in the final seconds to secure the win.

Pina-Warren led a balanced Austin College attack with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance, adding five assists and two steals. Peyton Gonzales provided a spark with 15 points, connecting on 6-of-10 shots, while Ryan Dupre filled the stat sheet with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Pearce anchored the defense, tallying eight points, eight rebounds, and his game-high five blocks.

Lyon College was led by a double-double from Trevon Taylor, who had game-highs of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Stephen Reed added 13 points and six assists, while Williford chipped in 11 points for the Scots. Despite creating extra possessions with their offensive rebounding, Lyon shot just 39.7% from the floor and 18.2% from three-point range. Austin College is back in action on Wednesday for a non-conference matinee against Millsaps at 1:00 p.m.