HENDERSON, Tenn. - Five RedHawks entered double-digit scoring on Monday night's 92-71 win over FHU, as MMC's high scorer James Justice used a 22-point effort to reach his 1,000th career point at Martin Methodist. The RedHawks, now ranked No. 6 in the NAIA, improve to 21-5 with the win, and are now a full game ahead in TranSouth standings with a 10-2 mark.
Justice became the second of this year's squad to reach 1,000 points in just two years, now with 1,002 points. The senior led the offensive charge with a 6-8 field performance, and a perfect 8-8 night from the line.
LaQuantis was a rebound shy of a double-double with 21 points and nine boards, as McCrory had an all-around night with 18 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Marlon Williams tallied 10 markers, and EJ Kirby joined in double-figures with a last minute basket for 10 total points.
The teams tangled for the first four minutes at play, as FHU broke the knot with a three to take the lead, but it wasn't long before a Marlon Williams bucket sparked a 7-0 MMC run, also including a three from Williams, for a 18-12 lead at 11:34.
The RedHawks held the edge until the 4:43 mark when they committed a foul on a three-point shot, which allowed FHU to convert all three free throws for the lead. The final minutes of the half were back-and-forth, and after five lead changes and two ties, the half ended in a 36-36 knot.
Freed broke the tie with an opening possession bucket to start the second frame, but at 17:46, Kirby scored the go-ahead basket, and Marlon Williams extended the lead with one from long range to take a stronghold on a lead which MMC would never surrender.
The win avenged a prior loss to FHU this season in Pulaski, as the RedHawks battle to continue their latch on the first place spot in the TSAC. MMC will head to Blue Mountain College on Thursday night, before playing host to Trevecca-Nazarene for Homecoming on Saturday, February 18th.
