BOCA RATON, Fla.- It was a high-scoring affair in the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center with the Lynn University men's basketball team emerging victorious by a final score of 96-85 over the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez on Wednesday night. Aaron Harrison led the Fighting Knights (3-0) for the third straight game with 21 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
Brandon Smith got it started with an early trey from behind the arc to give the Blue & White its first lead of the game. Lynn maintained possession for majority of the matchup only allowing UPR-Mayaguez to take the lead twice in the opening minutes. A Fred Landers jumper sealed the LU lead at 18:14, a lead in which the Fighting Knights would hold until the final buzzer. Lynn took its biggest lead of fifteen with 11:32 remaining in the half before heading into the locker room up 48-35.
Haki Stampley and Kaleb Clyburn each recorded seven points in the first half not to be outdone by Harrison who led all scorers with 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. The first-half play was fast and slightly reckless on both sides as the two teams combined for 25 turnovers.
Lynn shot 51.4 percent from the field in the half while holding the Tarzans to 43.8 percent. Mayaguez was led in scoring by Alexander Curet and Gabriel Garcia who each had six points.
The Blue & White returned from the break and continued its signature fast pace offense. Lynn took its biggest lead of the game at 92-74, with 2:18 remaining in regulation. The second half play was similar with the Fighting Knights and Tarzans combining for 45 turnovers overall.
LU totaled nine blocks in the half, led by Harrison who had four. The Tarzans garnered 18 steals and were able to mount a run of their own down the stretch to close the final deficit to 11. Curet led the way for UPR-Mayaguez with 20 points, four rebounds and six steals. LU shot 45.2 percent from the field and made 17-of-19 shots from the charity line to duplicate its first half scoring of 48 points.
Smith scored 12 points with zero turnovers in 25 minutes and was joined by Landers, Clyburn, Stampley, Harrison and Cory Thomas who all scored in double-digits for LU. Clyburn also dished out a game-high nine assists, falling one shy of a double-double in points and assists.
The Knights begin their season undefeated at 3-0 for the first time since the 2004-05 year. Lynn will return to the hardwood on Saturday, November 23, as the Fighting Knights take on the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm in the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center. Fans can follow the action live at LynnFightingKnights.com. Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter, Instagram and Vine for updates all season long.
