ELSAH, IL – In game two of a three game SLIAC homestand, the Principia Men's Basketball team matched up against Lyon College from Batesville, Arkansas. Lyon is a provisional member of Division III and is in their first season in the SLIAC as they transition from NAIA. They are ineligible for the SLIAC and NCAA Tournament, but games against them count in the conference standings.
After winning in comeback fashion against MUW, Principia started the game off hot, leading for most of the first half. However, Lyon would close the half strong, taking a 36-29 lead into the break. The second half would belong to Lyon as they extended their lead, and there was not much the Panthers could do about it. In the end, Principia fell 75-54.
Early on, it looked as though Principia would build on their win on Thursday, as they took the early 10-6 lead on a three pointer from AJ Byrd. The game would go back and forth until a jumper by Byrd with 4 minutes left in the first half gave Principia the 27-26 lead. This would be the Panthers' last lead of the game, as Lyon closed the final four minutes on a 10-2 run to go into halftime with a 36-29 lead.
The second half would be more of the same, as Lyon's height on the inside wore the Panthers down. Despite three pointers from Byrd and Charley Hoffman, Principia could never muster a real threat to the Lyon attack as the Scots cruised to a 75-54 victory.
Good to Know: The loss moves Principia to 1-2 on the season in conference play. AJ Byrd led Principia with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Shemarri Miles and Bobby Alford III chipped in with 13 and 10 points apiece.
Up Next: Principia has a couple of days off for finals, but they finishes their pre holiday break conference action with a rematch against Fontbonne University on Thursday at 7:30 pm. Fontbonne defeated Principia 68-62 a week ago in St. Louis, and the Panthers will be out for some revenge on their home court. Come out and show support if you are still in the area after finals!
