Lions top Ripley for 5th SHAC victory

The battle for the top spot of Division II of the Southern Hills Athletic Conference is very close, and the Fairfield Lions helped their cause on Friday night by defeating the Ripley Blue Jays, 67-55.
 
The road win by the Lions leaves them at 9-9 overall and more importantly 5-4 in the SHAC. After games this weekend, the Fayetteville Rockets are 5-3 in the conference, and the Manchester Greyhounds are 6-4.
 
Looking at the win on Friday by the Lions, they trailed after the first quarter at 19-17 and even at halftime by a 39-33 score after the Blue Jays (3-7, 3-15) outscored them 20-16 in the second.
 
The Lions responded by winning the second half, leading the third at 15-10 and the fourth 19-16 for the two-point win.
 
"To be down, but to be able to come back and get the win, was big for us as we continue to contend in the league," Fairfield head coach Everett Snyder said. "To get this win … I was pleased."
 
Fairfield's scoring was balanced with three players in double figures and six players total reaching the scoring column.
 

[[In-content Ad]]Ethan Putnam and Wyatt Evans each scored 18 points for the Lions. Putnam (four assists) made seven two-point baskets and was also 4-of-7 from the free-throw line. Evans was 6-of-7 in his free-throw shooting, while also making six field goals.
 
"We've had balanced scoring all season," Snyder said. "Seems like if one of the guys has an off night, there is someone else there to pick up the scoring. We have to continue to do that."
 
Jensen Daulton was the third Lion in double figures with 13 points (six assists), including three 3-pointers (a team-high for the game) and two two-point baskets.
 
Matthew Leach followed with nine points, and Dustin Willey finished with five points, as both players made a 3-pointer. Wyatt Harris rounded out the scoring with four points.
 
The Lions were 12-of-16 from the free-throw line.
 
FHS plays again on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Portsmouth Notre Dame.