Memphis TN – February 13, 2006 - Just four days after beating the number five team in the nation and capturing sole possession of the top spot in the Conference, the Crichton College Comets lost an ugly game at home and gave away a chance to distance themselves from the rest of the league. Lyon College came into the game tied for second and it was apparent from the start that Crichton had acquired the proverbial first place target. The Scots outplayed Crichton early but the Comets managed to go on several runs and even enjoyed an eight point lead. However, every time Crichton looked to pull away Lyon would come back, aided in part by  Crichton turnovers, second chance baskets, and a barrage of fouls called on the Comets. The Scots struggled offensively but managed to shoot 23 free throws, scoring 14 on those attempts. They also scored 12 points off Crichton turnovers and added 8 points off second chance baskets. Crichton only attempted 4 free throws in the half and found themselves down one, in foul trouble and on the ropes.

The second half was almost identical. The Comets led early pushing their lead to as many as seven. By the nine minute mark however, Lyon fought their way back and took the lead for good on a Levi Taylor three point basket. Crichton would not answer as once again the turnovers, second chance baskets and, fouls proved fatal to Crichton's first place defense. The Scotts shot 31 free throws in the second half as the Comets were forced to play catch up. The 33-54 shooting from the line for the game enabled Lyon to overcome a sub par offensive night. The Comets held Lyon to 36% shooting from the field, 25% shooting from behind the arc, and forced 22 turnovers, but were plagued the entire game by foul trouble and turnovers of their own. As the game clock ran down the Comets were forced to foul and a bad foul situation turned into an impossible foul situation as two players fouled out and three others finished the game with four.  The key stats for the game were the 33 points given up from the line, the 15 points off  22 Comet turnovers and the 21 points off of 20 Scot offensive rebounds.

Brian Gibbs led the Comets with 23 points off the bench while DeShawn Danzey and Melvin Wilkes scored 12 and 10 respectively. Jonathan Donaldson led all scorers with 31 including 13-16 from the line. Norris Weintz added 23 points and 10 rebounds in the win for Lyon. Donaldson and Weintz shot more free throws than every player for Crichton combined.

Final Score: Crichton 76 - Lyon College 85

Player of the Game: Brian Gibbs

Next up the Comets take on Martin Methodist in the final home game of the regular season, Thursday 7:00 p.m. at the Mid South Coliseum.

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