Lehigh returns home to host Saint Francis (Pa.) Wednesday night
12/6/2011 10:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Following a two-game road swing, the Lehigh men's basketball team returns to Stabler Arena for its second home game of the season when it welcomes Saint Francis (Pa.) on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. following the Mountain Hawks' women's game against NJIT at 5 p.m. Fans can get into both games for a single admission price. Lehigh looks to get back on the winning track following a tough loss at Cornell Saturday.
A win on Wednesday would put the Mountain Hawks at 7-3, equaling their best record after 10 games since the 2008-09 season when they were also 7-3. Lehigh's bid for a seventh-straight win fell short on Saturday as the squad dropped an 81-79 overtime final to Cornell. The Mountain Hawks jumped out to a 39-32 halftime lead before coming from 66-62 down to tie the score at 66 and force overtime. Lehigh jumped out to an early lead in the extra session, but the Big Red charged back for the victory.
The junior class excelled once again, combining for 64 points, led by 31 from C.J. McCollum. Gabe Knutson also added 16 points and 11 rebounds for his second-career double-double and was later recognized by College Sports Madness as its Patriot League Player of the Week. McCollum earned honorable mention recognition on the Patriot League weekly honor roll.
McCollum enters Wednesday with 1,492 career points, good for a tie for 24th in Patriot League history. He needs eight points to become only the 10th player in Lehigh history (and 22nd in Patriot League history) to reach 1,500.
Wednesday begins a stretch of three games in six days before the Mountain Hawks will have 10 days between games (vs. Arcadia on Dec. 12 and at Michigan State on Dec. 22). Lehigh is already two-thirds of the way to tying its school record for non-league wins (nine), accomplished in each of the past two seasons.
A win would give the Mountain Hawks their fourth straight game against an NEC squad (dating back to last season). Lehigh has already defeated Fairleigh Dickinson and Quinnipiac this year.
Saint Francis has had an up-and-down season, entering with a 2-6 record, but winners of two in a row. The Red Flash opened the season with a tight 63-57 loss at last season's Final Four team VCU. The squad went on to lose five more before winning its last two - both in NEC play. Saint Francis has defeated Monmouth and Fairleigh Dickinson in succession, both at home. The Red Flash have already played three Patriot League squads in Lafayette, Bucknell and Colgate, and will also face American on Saturday (Dec. 10). Leading returning scorer Umar Shannon, who averaged 15.8 points per game a year ago, scored 26 in the season-opener, but is out for the season with an injury. Scott Eatherton has led the way, averaging 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while also leading the nation with a stellar 80.4 field goal percentage (41-of-51). Anthony Ervin is averaging 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while Stephon Whyatt has averaged 8.5 and 1.9, respectively. Saint Francis is shooting an impressive 49.9 percent as a team, hitting on 188-of-377 field goal attempts.
The Mountain Hawks hold a 5-3 advantage in the all-time series with Saint Francis, which includes five straight victories since Lehigh's last loss in 1977-78. Lehigh has defeated the Red Flash in each of the past four seasons, including a 79-61 victory last year.
The Mountain Hawks hit the road Saturday to face an upstart Wagner squad that stood 6-2 as of Tuesday. Lehigh will then host Arcadia next Monday in the last game before breaking for final exams. Tickets for all home games are now on sale and may be purchased on Lehighsports.com or by calling the ticket office at (610) 7LU-GAME.
Follow Lehigh Men's Basketball on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LehighMensBasketball
Follow Lehigh Men's Basketball on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LehighMensBasketball
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Date:
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December 7, 2011
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Opponent:
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Saint Francis Red Flash
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Tip-off:
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7:30 PM
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Arena/Capacity:
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Stabler Arena/6,000
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Location:
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Bethlehem, Pa.
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Lehigh's Record:
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6-3 overall, 0-0 Patriot League
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Saint Francis' Record:
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2-6 overall, 2-0 NEC
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Series:
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Lehigh leads, 5-3
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Radio:
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Live on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM with Matt Kerr and Greg Falkenbach '72. Pregame coverage gets underway at 7:00.
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Television:
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None
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Internet Video:
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Lehighsports.com
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Behind Enemy Lines:
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Season Preview: Men's Basketball
Thursday, October 31
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Basketball
Wednesday, October 30
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Basketball
Wednesday, February 07
Men's Basketball vs SUNY Oneonta
Thursday, November 16
