Banner Elk, NC – The Flying Fleet kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Lees-McRae College on the road 52 to 49.  The Fleet defense held the Bobcats to just twelve second half points to overcome a 37 to 23 halftime deficit.  With the win, the Flying Fleet improve to 10-14 overall and 7-10 conference.  More importantly, the Fleet move into a three-way tie for seventh place with Belmont-Abbey and Coker with three games remaining.  The top eight teams advance to the conference tournament.

Brandon Wright spurred the Fleet to an early 6 point lead behind two three-point baskets. Unfortunately, the Fleet surrendered the lead midway through the half when Anthony Johnson hit his only three-point shot to tie the game at 12 a piece.  The Bobcats continued their run, outscoring the Fleet 23 to 4 over the next eight minutes.  The Fleet closed the half scoring the last seven points to cut the Lees-McRae lead to twelve at 37 to 23.

The two teams swapped baskets to open the second half and, with ten minutes remaining, the Bobcats still possessed a twelve point over the Fleet at 47 to 35.   The Fleet defense held the Bobcats to just two free throws while the offense scored thirteen points to close within one at 49 to 48.   With just a 1:25 left, Erskine’s Nick Riley put back his own missed shot to give the Fleet a one point lead.  Senior Nate Jones capped off the comeback with a basket giving the Fleet the 52 to 49 road win.

The Fleet were led by Brandon Wright with 14 points and Chris Gore with 11 points.  Senior Jay Boulware grabbed an impressive game-high 11 rebounds while contributing 7 points.  For Lees-McRae,  Steven Haymer scored 11 points and pulled down a team-high 8 rebounds.