CLEVELAND, Tenn.- The University of West Florida Men's Basketball team fell to the Lee University Flames 67-72 in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament.
Jackson Henningfield led the team in scoring with 27 points. The Argos finished the season (18-11, 11-9 Gulf South Conference).
"I was really happy for
Jackson Henningfield in his last game to play that well and score 27 points and dominate inside during the second half, '' said Head Coach
Jeff Burkhamer. "I was really excited for him and glad that he got to finish his career playing well in a big game."
Wendell Matthews started the Argos scoring for the night and the Lee Flames quickly answered with a 10-0 run before reaching the first media timeout. West Florida went 11-27 from the field on 40 percent shooting during the first 20 minutes of action. Lee was 15-30 from the field on 50 percent shooting. The Flames narrowly outrebounded the Argos 17-16 during the first half.
"We didn't play well early on and probably got down too far." Burkhamer continued, "I loved our fight, I loved how hard we worked and were really able to get back in the game. I am really proud of our effort and I thought we played very well in the second half and really had a chance to get back in the game and win.
During the second half Henningfield brought the Argos offense to life with his 27 points and nine rebounds. As a team West Florida improved their field goal percentage to 53 percent, after going 16-30 from the field. UWF outrebounded Lee 15-14.
In the final minutes of the game West Florida made crucial shots and stops to cut the deficit to three with just a minute remaining in regulation. The Flames were able to pull away in the final minutes after going to the line and making free throws. With the win Lee advanced to the semifinals of the GSC Men's Basketball tournament.
Although the season came to an end, the University of West Florida Men's Basketball team had plenty to celebrate this season. The 2021-22 team had one of the best starts in program history and began conference play 5-0. During the month of December, the Argos made their way back into the NABC Poll for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Daniel Sofield surpassed the program's all-time three-point record and was named First Team All GSC.
"We had a great start, we really played well early and then we ran through some tough times late in the year, '' said Burkhamer. "Overall I am really happy with our guys, we kept fighting, we kept working and we stayed together to finish the year and that's what you want to have."
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow the team on Instagram @UWFMBB and Twitter @UWFMENSBBALL.
