James Ties Free Throw Record In 80-77 Win Over Simpson

Senior Joe James tied the Westminster free throw game day record with 17 made free throws during the 80-77 win over Simpson College Saturday afternoon. The Westminster Blue Jays improve to a 3-3 overall record for the season.

The Blue Jays controlled the lead for most of the first half, but the Simpson Storm stayed close. The Storm took the lead four times, but the Blue Jays never let them get a larger lead than five points. With 4:19 left in the first half, the Storm tied the game up for the fourth time. Two three pointers by junior Brandon Moore and a jumper by junior Verdis Lee Jr. gave the Blue Jays the 33-28 lead heading into halftime.

After seven ties and eight lead changes, the Blue Jays finally grasped the lead with a 7-0 run with 9:53 left in the game.  The Storm battled back and grabbed the lead with 8:09 on the clock. With 4:18 left in the game, Moore grabbed a steal and passed it up to Lee Jr. for a layup, taking the 66-65 lead.

The Blue Jays held the 74-69 lead with 32 seconds remaining in the game. James went 6-6 from the foul line in the final seconds to win the game 80-77.

The Blue Jays shot 45.3% from the field, 50% from the arc and 86.7% from the foul line.

James went 17-18 from the foul line in the second half. He led the game with 28 points and chipped in 8 rebounds for the Blue Jays.  Lee Jr. added 24 points after going 9-14 from the field and led the Blue Jays with 9 rebounds. Moore had 6 of the team’s 10 assists.

The Blue Jays will travel to Elsah, Illinois next Saturday to face Principia College. Tip-off will be at 3:00 p.m.