NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 73, Keiser 71
Records: Life U, 2-0; Keiser, 0-1
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team survived a late push from No. 25 Keiser to close day one of the Ken Woods Memorial Classic with a thrilling 73–71 victory Friday night inside the Eagles' Nest.
After a balanced first half that saw both teams trade momentum swings, the Running Eagles took a slim 32–27 advantage into the locker room. Senior transfer Shane Stevensen continued his strong start to the season, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the opening frame while adding five rebounds.
In the second half, Life U's depth and defensive effort proved decisive. Josh Baugher anchored the frontcourt with 10 points and nine rebounds, while Calvin Payton found his rhythm from deep, knocking down three triples to finish with 14 points.
Keiser battled back behind a strong second-half shooting stretch, cutting a 17-point Life U lead down to a single possession with under a minute to play. However, key defensive stops and clutch free throws from Srdjan Popovic and Maurice Wright sealed the win for the Running Eagles.
Life U shot an efficient 54.9% from the floor and assisted on 20 of its 28 made field goals while holding Keiser to just 4-of-17 from three-point range.
TURNING POINT:
Life U built a double-digit lead midway through the second half and held off a furious Keiser rally in the final minutes to secure the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
— Life U shot 54.9% from the field and 83.3% from the free-throw line.
— The Running Eagles out-rebounded Keiser 35–26.
— Life U scored 42 points in the paint and forced 12 turnovers leading to 20 points.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Shane Stevensen: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
— Calvin Payton: 14 points (3-8 3PT)
— Josh Baugher: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
— Maurice Wright: 10 points, 6 assists, 3 steals
— Srdjan Popovic: 11 points, 5 assists (3-7 3PT)
UP NEXT:
Life U wraps up play in the Ken Woods Memorial Classic on Saturday, facing Mobile at 2 p.m. inside the Eagles' Nest.
