MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - Lynn mounted multiple runs and cut the deficit to as few as four in the second half, but a strong closing stretch from Barry proved decisive as the Fighting Knights fell 100-79 on the road Wednesday night at the Health & Sports Center. With the setback, Lynn moves to 10-6 overall and 5-4 in Sunshine State Conference play, despite strong offensive performances from Max Polk and Antoine Jacks and a spirited second-half push that briefly put the game back within reach.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Lynn faced an early deficit as Barry capitalized on free throws and transition opportunities to open the game, pushing out to an 11-0 run in the opening minutes
- The Fighting Knights settled in midway through the half, getting on the board when Polk drilled a three-pointer and completed a three-point play to spark the offense
- Braydon Iuli established a strong interior presence early, scoring multiple times in the paint and on second-chance opportunities, while John Roland protected the rim with several key blocks
- Lynn continued to chip away through ball movement and rebounding, highlighted by a second-chance three from Jacks and steady interior scoring that cut the deficit to single digits
- Late in the first half, Lynn found rhythm from the perimeter as Polk and Jacks connected from deep, trimming the margin to just seven before Barry answered late, sending the Fighting Knights into the break trailing 57-42
- The Blue and White came out of halftime with renewed energy as Iuli opened the half with a dunk, setting the tone for an early second-half push
- The Fighting Knights mounted a sustained run behind perimeter shooting and offensive rebounds, with Polk knocking down consecutive threes and Iuli converting a second-chance three, pulling Lynn within four, 57-53
- Lynn stayed aggressive attacking the basket and crashing the glass, with Iuli and Roland continuing to battle inside and Jacks providing a spark on both ends
- Despite Lynn's efforts to close the gap, Barry capitalized late on second-chance opportunities and trips to the free-throw line to extend the margin in the final minutes
- The Fighting Knights continued to compete until the final horn, with contributions from the bench and strong late possessions, before the contest concluded 100-79
 
FIGHTING KNIGHT STATS:
- Polk led Lynn with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal
- This marks Polk's fifth 20+ point performance this season
- Jacks provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 15 points on 3-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line
- Over the past three contests, Jacks has averaged 14.3 points per game, providing an uptick in offensive production and efficiency, while also currently averaging 4.4 assists a game
- Iuli recorded 13 points and 6 rebounds, scoring consistently in the paint and on second-chance opportunities
- Iuli has recorded six or more rebounds in five games this season
- Roland stuffed the stat sheet with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and a team-high 3 blocks, anchoring Lynn's interior defense
- Roland has totaled two or more rejections in three games so far this year
- Sveinn Birgisson chipped in 6 points and 4 rebounds, including a three-pointer and multiple trips to the free-throw line
- Christian Maxon added 6 points in limited minutes, connecting on 2-of-4 from long range
- Lynn finished the night shooting 36.8% from the field and 37.1% from three, while converting 16-of-21 free throws (76.2%)
- The Fighting Knights totaled 34 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, and scored 13 second-chance points
 
UP NEXT:
The Fighting Knights return home for a big SSC matchup against No. 3 Nova Southeastern at the de Hoernle Sports and Cultural Center on Saturday, January 17 at 4 p.m.