Fighting Bees Get First Win

11/11/05
Box Score
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- There was some questions about how the 15th ranked Fighting Bees would respond after their opening game loss to Olivet Nazarene. Those questions were answered Friday night, as SAU defeated Indiana University-South Bend 75-57.

The Fighting Bees (1-1) trailed just once in the game, before taking the lead for good with 18:46 left in the first half on an Andrew Bryant three-pointer, putting SAU in front, 5-3. From there, the Fighting Bees turned up the intensity, leading by as much as 17 points in the half. Bryant capped off the scoring in the first period with a powerful dunk, to take a 35-21 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, it was more of the same. IUSB (1-3) never got within 15 points the rest of the way, and SAU coasted to the 18 point victory thanks in part to hustle plays and great defense. SAU recorded six blocks in the game, five of which came from Bryant. The Fighting Bees also recorded 14 steals, while shooting 52% in the first half to assure themselves their first victory of the season.

SAU was led by Bryant, who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Aaron Strayhand wasn't far behind, recording 17 points and four boards, while Tyler Ryan scored 11, including a three for four performance from behind the arc in his first game as a Fighting Bee. John Griffin had a great night, finishing with a career-high eleven points. Griffin hit his first three shots, all three pointers, to open up the lead in the first half for SAU.

IUSB was led by Tony Patterson with 15 points, all on three-pointers. Justin Van Dyke finished the game with 13 points, while grabbing seven rebounds. Hubert Gentry was the only other Trojan in double figures, scoring ten.

SAU will be in action again on Saturday, as they'll play Saint Xavier in day two of the SAU Classic in what has been a much anticipated game this year.

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