Boyd's 24 points lead Patriot Men past Builders 103-63

NEWPORT NEWS, VA. - Sophomore forward Simel Boyd scored a career-high 24 points to lead five Patriots in double figures as Francis Marion University shot a blistering 62.5% in the second half to defeat The Apprentice School 103-63 on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 13).

FMU, who entered the game receiving votes in the latest NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, remained perfect on the season at 6-0.

The Patriots will open Peach Belt Conference play on Monday when they host North Georgia College & State University.  The women's game will tip-off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's contest at 7:30 p.m.  As part of Monday's doubleheader, Francis Marion will be raising funds for and increasing awareness of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  This organization is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  Donations will be accepted in the Smith University Center.

Boyd came off the Patriot bench to connect on 10-of-17 shots in only 29 minutes of action. FMU senior 6-7 center Kevin Clark added a career-high 23 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.  Junior guard Anthony Wallen, making his first start as a Patriot, scored 14, while senior Stanley Jones tallied 13 points, and junior Matt French 11.

Francis Marion recorded a school-record 34 assists on its 42 baskets, led by seven each from senior point guard Crayton Jones and junior Kendrick Robinson.

Francis Marion trailed once in the first half as a Eric Joe layup put the Builders up 9-8 at the 16:41 mark.

The lead for the Patriots grew to six points on two occasions over the next several minutes before a Joe jumper brought the Builders even at 25-25 with 7:33 left.  Francis Marion scored the game's next 11 points, including five by Clark, and never trailed again.  Altogether, FMU closed the half on a 20-5 run to take a 45-30 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the visiting Patriots came out hot and opened the stanza on a 15-4 run over the first 4:26 to take a 60-34 lead on a Clark layup with 15:34 remaining.  From there the lead was never less than 24 points.

Joe was the leading scorer for Apprentice School (6-3) with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jason Arrington had 17 points and Ruffin added 10 points and eight assists.