Gaffney, S.C. – Limestone's men's basketball hosted Lenoir-Rhyne in a South Atlantic Conference matchup at the Timken Center, where the Saints fell short with a final score of 89-75. The loss brings Limestone's record to 10-16 overall, 7-15 SAC, while Lenoir-Rhyne improves to 21-5 overall, 18-4 SAC.
Key Players:

• Greg McKay (Nassau, Bahamas) led the Saints with a game-high 30 points, shooting 13-for-20 from the field and 3-for-7 from three-point range, while adding 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
• Sirr Hughes (Cleveland Heights, Ohio) contributed 15 points, knocking down 6-of-10 free throws and grabbing 2 rebounds.
• Trevon Payton (Lilburn, Ga.) added 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, hitting 2 three-pointers in the effort.
• Isayah Owens (Inman, S.C.) finished with 10 points and 2 assists, shooting 4-for-10 from the field.

STORY OF THE GAME:
First Half:

• The game started off with Lenoir-Rhyne establishing their presence early, as Julian Dozier drained a three-pointer on their opening possession.
• Limestone struggled to find their rhythm offensively, missing multiple three-point attempts in the opening minutes.
• Greg McKay kept the Saints in the game, battling inside and converting tough layups, but Lenoir-Rhyne capitalized on turnovers to extend their lead.
• With 9:44 left in the half, Dozier hit another three to put Lenoir-Rhyne up 25-8, marking the biggest lead of the half.
• Limestone fought back late in the half, with McKay and Hughes scoring in transition, but Lenoir-Rhyne shot 50% from the field, keeping the Saints at a distance.
• The first half ended with Lenoir-Rhyne leading 45-31, with Limestone shooting just 2-21 from three-point range.

Second Half:

• The Saints came out aggressive in the second half, as McKay hit a three-pointer and followed up with a fast-break layup, cutting the deficit to 48-38.
• Lenoir-Rhyne responded with a 7-0 run, led by Tay Smith's three-pointer and a dunk by Ziare Wells, pushing the lead back to 55-38.
• Limestone's offense improved, with Hughes attacking the paint and Payton hitting timely shots, but Lenoir-Rhyne's ability to dominate the offensive glass (10 offensive rebounds) gave them second-chance opportunities.
• Despite a late push from McKay, Lenoir-Rhyne controlled the final minutes, maintaining a double-digit lead.
• The Saints outscored Lenoir-Rhyne 44-44 in the second half, but the first-half deficit proved too much to overcome.

Up Next:
Limestone will look to bounce back as they return to action on Wednesday, February 27, Travelling to Emory & Henry at 7:30 p.m.