St. Petersburg, Fla. -- The University of Lynchburg men's basketball team defeated Spalding University 85-72 in the Division III St. Pete Classic Friday night. 

Four Hornets scored in double-figures led by Jordan Parham with 17. Parham scored his season high after draining 4-7 (57.1%) from the 3-point line. As a team, the Hornets made 10 3-pointers marking their fourth game with double-digit 3-pointers on the season. Lynchburg made 17 against Centre on Dec. 19. 

Michael Gray grabbed one of Lynchburg's 13 offensive rebounds midway through the first half and found Parham for a second-chance 3 putting Lynchburg up by eight. Despite reaching its largest lead of the half on Parham's make from deep, Spalding answered back and led by six with two minutes before halftime. 

Jayson Easton made a 3 and a layup to close out the half and Jake Hart added a free throw as the Hornets reclaimed the lead before halftime 36-33. 

The Hornets blitzed Spalding out of halftime and claimed a double-digit lead on a layup from Cameron O'Conner less than two minutes into the resumption of play. Lynchburg never trailed again and built its largest lead of the night at 83-63 off a layup from Kavon James. 

The Hornets closed out the victory 85-72. Lynchburg has five-straight games with double-digit rebounds, and its 13 offensive boards are a season high. 

The Hornets (7-5) hit the hardwood in the Sunshine State again on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. against Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.). 

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--LYN--