Lee University
Lee University
Posted by George Starr - Sat, Mar 8, 2008 - [ Men's Basketball ] - Viewed 449 times

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Led by the superb all around play of Freddie Williams, Elmar Kuli-Zade and Harold Griffin, the Lee men's basketball team defeated Emmanuel College 92-79 on Saturday night and captured the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

Williams was named the Most Valuable Player of the four-day event hosted by the Flames in Walker Arena and Kuli-Zade and Griffin earned spots on the All-Tournament Team. Emmanuel was represented on the all-tourney team by freshman Tedrick Hudson and Ray Raines. Both Lee and Emmanuel will join Auburn University Montgomery in representing the SSAC in the NAIA National Tournament.


SSAC All-Tournament Team
The Flames broke open a tight game in the final five minutes of the first half and led 45-29 at the break. Lee increased the lead to 22 points early in the second half but the determined Lions would never quit. The visitors cut the Lee margin to only eight points midway of the final 20 minutes.

Again, Lee placed four players in double-figure scoring. Kuli-Zade was outstanding in all phases. The junior scored 20 points, claimed three rebounds, added five assists and came up with four important steals. Williams enjoyed three solid performances. He registered 20 points and dished off three assists.

Lee post player Harold Griffin posted a double-double in 28 minutes of playing time. He carded 16 points and captured 10 rebounds. Brad Harris rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 points, while Kellen Pickel added seven. Harris joined Kuli-Zade with a team-leading five assists.

For Emmanuel, Hudson completed a dominating tournament with 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals. The Lions also had five players in double-figure scoring. Raines tallied 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Jeremy Tate also scored 12. Micah Hayes made 7-of-8 free throws and finished 11 points, while Shawn Courtney had 10 points and four rebounds.

The Flames, in another sparkling shooting performance, shot 58 percent from the field, 56 percent from 3-point range and made 25-of-30 free throws. Emmanuel managed only 37 percent from the field. The Lions shot 40 percent from 3-point range and went to the line 31 times and converted 27.

Lee, Emmanuel and AUM will watch closely as the final pairings are set for the NAIA National Tournament. The draw should be released late on Wednesday afternoon.