Feb. 8, 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Kip Small had 16 points, and a game-high nine rebounds and five assists to lead No. 23 Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) to a 69-67 upset over Lee (Tenn.) University.  The Flames came into Montgomery as the third-ranked team in the nation and sporting a 20-0 record.

Lee scored the first five points of the game, but AUM fought back and took a 34-25 lead into halftime, led by Quadavious Brown's 10 first half points.

AUM came out and kept the pressure on the high-scoring Flames by setting up their offense and getting good shots.  They opened up a 42-29 lead midway through the second half.

Things begin to change as Lee hit a couple of threes and forced a few turnovers, and in the span of three minutes had cut the lead to 50-44 with still seven minutes left to play.

That is when it became as hard fought a game as it could become.  A total of 54 foul shots were attempted and 43 fouls called, 25 of those in the second half.

Lee cut the lead to two on three occasions, but could never catch AUM as they matched shot-for-shot and free throw-for-free throw.  In fact, AUM hit 10 consecutive free throws in the final two minutes to keep Lee from catching up.

Joining Small in double digits was Brown and Josh Randall with 14 each and Ronnie Hickman added 12.  AUM shot 43 percent from the field, but hit 21 of their 24 free throw attempts.

Lee shot 49 percent from the field, including a blistering 60 percent in the second half as they made their run to cut into the AUM lead.  Freddie Williams single-handedly got Lee back in the game with a game-high 21 points, 17 of those in the second half.  Brad Harris was the only other Flame to reach double-digits with 13.

AUM out rebounded the taller Flames 37-25, including 15 offensive rebounds.  Lee did make it hard on the AUM inside game as they recorded eight blocked shots and missed up numerous other shots.

With the loss Lee falls to 20-1 overall and 11-1 in conference action.  AUM continues to be tied with Faulkner at 9-3 for second place in the conference.  AUM moves to 14-6 overall.

AUM will host Reinhardt College at 4 p.m. on Saturday.  The game is Homecoming for the Senators.