Lynchburg, Va. -- The Lynchburg Hornets (14-12) takes on the Roanoke Maroons (22-4) for a chance to punch their ticket to the ODAC championship. 

The two squads faced off earlier this season in one of the most memorable games of the 2024-25 campaign. The Hornets had seemingly clinched their signature win of the season, leading by 10 with 37 seconds remaining. However, playing the foul game, the Maroons battled back to get within striking distance. Traling by two, Jackson Bell hoisted a three-pointer at the buzzer to sink the game winning shot, 80-79. 

The last time these teams met in the playoffs was in 2018-19 ODAC quarterfinal in the Salem Civic Center. The Maroons defeated Lynchburg 74-72 on a pair of freet hrows with 1 second reaming after an offensive rebound. 

Since the previous meeting, Roanoke has gone 10-1 in their 11 games. In their most recent matchup, the Maroons took down Ferrum in the ODAC quarterfinal, 89-75. Roanoke is led by one of the top talents in the conference, Joshua McClary. The senior guard averages 17.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 2.2 SPG, sitting in the top four in the conference for each respective category. 

As a group, the Maroons average a conference-best 83.5 PPG, 49%  shooting from the floor, and 38% from three. On the defensive end, Roanoke leads the ODAC in opposing field goal percentage at 39% and in rebounding with 40.1 RPG. McClary and company also sit at second in the conference for steals per game with 7.58. 

Lynchburg comes into this contest after a major upset over No. 7 Hampden-Sydney, 72-66. All-ODAC Third Team selection Michael Gray tabbed a career high 31 points with seven three-pointers. The Hornets find themselves in the ODAC semifinal game for the first time since the 2020-21 season, where they advanced to the championship game. 

Lynchburg athletics is offering a free ticket list for alumni, one ticket apiece. Alumni are prompted to complete this google form, which is also linked above, to claim your free ticket, which will be available at the ticket window inside the Salem Civic Center.

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