NASHVILLE, Tenn. - If the Freed-Hardeman Lions have yet to establish a reputation as one of the NAIA's top perimeter shooting teams, it's only because no one is paying attention.
In their conference opener against Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University, the Lions converted on 14-of-30 three-point attempts, then made 9-of-10 free throws in the game's final minute, en route to an 88-82 win in Nashville on Thursday night.
FHU led for most of the game and never surrended the lead after going ahead 21-19 on a three-pointer from Shun Trevillian at the 11:38 mark in the first half. Trevillian's basket helped kickstart a 23-4 Freed-Hardeman run that put the Lions up by 14, their largest lead of the game, at 37-23 with 4:57 left in the half.
After taking a 45-33 lead into halftime, FHU matched the 14-point margin with 14:58 left in the game but the Trojans, who are known for playing tough at home, would not be knocked down so quickly. Trevecca went on a 12-4 run to cut the Lions' lead to six points (62-56) with 10:40 to play. FHU, however, held firm and did not allowing the Trojans to get any closer. The Trojans had a chance to pull within four inside two minutes to play but the Lions forced a turnover that resulted in a big three-pointer from Jesse Moulton.
Trevecca began fouling in the final minute of the game but FHU made eight straight free throws to clinch the victory.
Zack Frey scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor, while Trevillian added 17 and Kristoffer Smith chipped in 15. Moulton rounded out Lions in double figures with 13, 10 of which came in the second half.
FHU (7-4, 1-0) has another difficult test on Saturday as the Lions face Cumberland (Tenn.) University in Lebanon at 4:00 PM. The Bulldogs were big winners in their opener over Blue Mountain (Miss.) College, 101-60.
