DENMARK, S.C.- The Ave Maria University men's basketball team picked up a big non-conference win on Saturday evening, knocking off Voorhees College 81-70 at the Dawson Health and Human Resources Center. The win was Ave Maria's first ever road win over a ranked opponent, as the Tigers came into the contest ranked 20th in the nation.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with the Gyrenes holding a 34-33 lead after the first 20 minutes. AMU opened up the lead in the second half, outscoring the defending champions of the Association of Independent Institutions 47-37. The win moved the Gyrenes to 2-0 on the year, and dropped Voorhees to 2-1 following victories over South Carolina Faith A&M and Keiser.
The Gyrenes shot over 42 percent from the field in the win, and made 18 of their 23 free throws. AMU also held an advantage on the glass, pulling down 39 rebounds to 31 for Voorhees. Ave Maria did an excellent job especially on the defensive glass, allowing just four offensive rebounds to the Tigers.
Ave Maria's three-point shooting proved to be the difference in the victory, as the Gyrenes outscored the Tigers 39-6 from beyond the three-point arc. Defensively, AMU held Voorhees to just 2-of-11 shooting, while making 13 of their own 28 attempts. Lucas Uzdavinis led Ave Maria's three-point effort with four makes on five attempts, which accounted for 12 of the redshirt sophomore's 14 points.
Leo Behrend logged a double-double in the victory, scoring 23 points and pulling down ten rebounds. Three other Gyrenes were in double figures, including Jeffrey Steel (18), Uzdavinis (14), and Greenan Sullivan (13). Those four players accounted for 68 of AMU's 81 points. Voorhees was led by Adonis Bailey, who scored 29 points and grabbed six rebounds.
AMU's roadtrip continues on Monday night when the Gyrenes head to Pensacola for a meeting with Pensacola Christian College. Ave Maria won the first ever meeting between the two schools last season, a 97-83 decision in overtime. Tipoff in Pensacola at the Arlin R. Horton Sports Center is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. eastern time.
