CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Lee's Tommy Brown reached a milestone in his coaching career on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 7) as the Flames defeated Belhaven University (Miss.) in a SSAC cross-over game, 89-78.
Brown, who has divided his 13-year coaching career between Bluefield College and Lee, has now registered 165 victories while in charge of the Lee program. His overall coaching record now stands at 300-151.
Sizzling shooting by the Flames held the visiting Blazers at bay for the entire 40 minutes. Lee built up a 37-26 lead at the halftime and was never seriously threatened as both clubs ripped the nets for 52 points in the explosive second 20 minutes.
Brown's club shot an unofficial record and unbelievable 72 percent from the field, canning 33-of-36 shots. They were almost as impressive from behind the 3-point arc, knocking down 8-of-13. At times, they struggled at the line, converting 15-of-22 (68 percent).
"I've had a lot of good players and plenty of coaching help during my career," said Brown, who also admitted he did not realize this was his 300th win. "This club reminds me a great deal of Elmar Kuli-Zade and Brad Harris in the way they shot the basketball a few years back," Brown added. "We still have a lot of work to do. We gave up too many offensive rebounds (21) and allowed too much penetration to the basket."
The outstanding shooting was led by Ryan Westbrooks, who canned 10-of-13 attempts, including two 3-pointers and finished the contest with 27 points. All totaled, Lee had four players in double figures. Tyrone Caldwell poured in 17 and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also had nine assists and four rebounds. Duran Blue and big Steve Bennett tallied 10 points apiece. Blue dished off six assists as the Flames notched 26 assists as a team to only seven for Belhaven.
