Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Romeoville, Ill. - The bench of the Lewis University men's basketball team entered Saturday's in-region showdown against Hillsdale averaging 35.7 points-per-game in the Flyers' first three contests this season.

The Flyer reserves only managed 13 points against Chargers, but 12 of them came in a 20-9 run over the final 10 minutes of the game to propel Lewis to the 62-52 non-conference victory over Hillsdale at Neil Carey Arena.

Lewis junior guard David Bryant (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) knocked down a pair of three-pointers during that stretch, while sophomore guard Nick Valla (Tinley Park, Ill./Marist) (Tinley Park, Ill./Marist/Missouri State) collected four points, two rebounds and an assist during that time frame.

"Our bench is our strength," Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "We don't have just five starters.

"I think we have eight, nine or 10 guys that are capable of giving us starter minutes."

With the win, Lewis improves to 4-0 on the season, marking the Flyers' best start since the 1999-2000 campaign, while the visiting Chargers are now 4-1.

Lewis senior forward Matt Toth (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) led the Flyers in both scoring and rebounding with 17 points and seven caroms. Freshman Julian Lewis (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) added a season-high 14 points, including two three-pointers, while senior guard Chris McClellan (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Wheeling) (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Wheeling) posted 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Lewis stayed out of foul trouble, as Hillsdale went to the free throw line just four times, converting three. Over the past two games, Flyer opponents are 5-for-9 from the charity stripe. Lewis also enjoyed a sizeable 37-28 advantage on the glass, including 12 offensive boards.

Hillsdale senior guard Brent Eaton led the Chargers with 12 points, while backcourt mate Tyler Gerber added 10 points and a game-high seven assists.

"Hillsdale is a really good team," Trost said. "This is a great in-region win and they're going to be a NCAA Tournament team. This was a hard-fought win against an excellent team."

Lewis returns to action on Thursday (Dec. 1), as the Flyers welcome No. 12 Southern Indiana to Neil Carey Arena for a 7:45 p.m. (CST) tip-off.