HARRIMAN — The Walters State Senators raced out to an early lead and held a 42-34 advantage before building up as big as a 15-point lead midway through the second half on their way to a 72-61 win over the Roane State Raiders.

The Senators (3-0, 1-0 TCCAA) received a fine performance from reserve freshman guard Addison Flynn, who dropped in 22 points and dished out four assists in the conference-opening win.

The Senators built the lead to 15 points with eight minutes remaining, but the momentum stalled and Roane State (1-3, 0-1) was able to keep the visitors from running away.

Despite the offensive slowdown late, Walters State was able to keep the lead due to the Raiders problems at the free throw line, where they made only 11 of 27 for the contest.

The Senators also held a 54-38 advantage on the boards.

The Senators shot only 34 percent (21 of 61) in the contest, but made 7 of 16 from beyond the three-point arc and added a 23 of 36 clip at the charity stripe.

Darius Randolph added 11 points for Walters State in the victory, and Tahj Wells and John Holleman each added nine points. Holleman grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Senators, and Marsallis Malone added eight boards in the win.

The Raiders finished the contest shooting 37 percent (22 of 58) from the floor, but made only 6 of 25 from long range.

John Brown led Roane State with 18 points in the contest, while Jacob Pettway added 12 points and Robson Memnon tallied 11 in the loss.

The Senators will return to the hardwood Friday night to host defending TCCAA champion Southwest Tennessee. Tipoff at ‘Z’ Buda Gymnasium is set for 8 p.m.

Walters State 72, Roane State 61

Walters State                42        30      -  72

Roane State                  34        27      -  61

Walters State (72)

Addison Flynn 22, Darius Randolph 11,

Holleman 9, Wells 9, Sturdivant 7, Crisp 5,

Malone 5, Upton 3, Payne 1.

Roane State (61)

John Brown 18, Jacob Pettway 12,

Robson Memnon 11, Smith 5, Flowers 4,

Bell 3, Magdos 3, Carr 2, Givens 2, Allen 1.

3-Point Field Goals: WS (7) Randolph 3,
Flynn 2, Crisp, Upton. RS (6) Brown 2,
Pettway 2, Magdos, Smith.