FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 12-18-99

Lenoir-Rhyne Defeats AASU In Men's Basketball, 69-62

Belmont Abbey downs Francis Marion, 83-59, In Earlier Doubleheader Action

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Lenoir-Rhyne shot a sizzling 65 percent in the second half to erase a three-point halftime deficit and defeat the homestanding Pirates of Armstrong Atlantic State, 69-62, in men's college basketball action on Saturday evening.

Dell Douglas led the Bears (6-3) with 19 points and 13 boards as Lenoir-Rhyne connected on 13 of 20 shots from the field after the break, and 11 of 14 free throws to snap the Pirates' (4-5) modest two-game winning streak. Kassim Richardson added 15 points, while David Koncul paced the Pirates with 18 points, including four three-pointers. All five of the Pirates' losses this season have come by seven points or less.

In earlier doubleheader action at Alumni Arena, Belmont Abbey – down by 11, 32-21 with two minutes remaining in the first half, exploded for 58 second-half points to defeat Francis Marion, 83-59. Israel Sturdivant scored a game-high 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including six-of-eight three-pointers, while Byron Johnson added 20 points. Will Tucker was the high man for the Patriots, scoring 16 points.

The Pirates travel to NCAA Division I power College of Charleston on Tuesday, Dec. 21, for a matchup with the Cougars at 7:30 p.m.

- Pirates -