CLEVELAND, Tenn.- The University of West Florida Men's Basketball team won the back and forth battle with the Lee Flames on Saturday night. With a 74-71 win the Argos are 8-1 this season and 2-0 in conference. Daniel Sofield led the way for West Florida with a season high 24 points.
 
"We beat a very good team today on the road," said Coach Jeff Burkhamer. "I am very proud of our players for playing through some adversity and making winning plays down the stretch. Daniel Sofield was outstanding. He was aggressive to score and made some huge shots and free throws."
 
From the beginning both teams traded baskets with Lee getting on the board first. West Florida quickly responded when Darrin Jenkins made a jump shot in the paint. From then on, the teams went back and forth. Darrin Jenkins and Jejuan Weatherspoon each had eight points at the end of the first half. Daniel Sofield had seven and Wendell Matthews had six.
 
Just before the first half ended West Florida took a 35-33 lead.
 
The Argos were 16-33 from the field on 48 percent shooting. West Florida had 17 rebounds and forced six turnovers. Lee was 13-31 from the field during the first half on 41.9 percent shooting.
 
In total the game had 13 lead changes and 13 ties. Both teams battled to the very end. In the second half the Flames were 15-37 from the field shooting 40 percent. The Flames made three three pointers during the second half and were 5-6 from the free throw line.
 
The Argos shooting improved during the second half as the Argos were 15-25 from the field shooting 60 percent. West Florida knocked down four three pointers and were 50 percent from beyond the arc. Sofield scored 17 points during the second half. West Florida had 22 points come from their bench.
 
"Our bench gave us a huge lift." Burkhamer continued, "Weatherspoon had a double double and Flanagan and Bynum made big threes. "This was a terrific college basketball game. Both teams played hard and played well. We are happy to have found a way to win."
 
Overall West Florida was 31-58 from the field on 53.4 percent shooting. As a team the Argos had 31 rebounds, Jejuan Weatherspoon had a team high 10 rebounds and finished with a double double after scoring 10 points. Scoring in double figures for West Florida was Sofield with 24, Jenkins with 14, Matthews with 12 and Weatherspoon with 10.
 
Lee was 28-68 shooting 41 percent from the field overall. The Flames had six three pointers and were 90 percent from the free throw line. Lee had 38 rebounds. Jayce Willingham led the way for the Flames with 16 points, Quay Kennedy added 12 and Jason Landman had 10.
 
Up next West Florida will face the Shorter University Hawks. Tip off from Winthrop King Centre is set for 7:30 P.M ET. Live Stream | Live Stats
 
 
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow their Instagram @UWFMBB and twitter @UWFMENSBBALL