Bears Fall Short Against No. 4 Daemen in Thrilling Season Opener

Bears Fall Short Against No. 4 Daemen in Thrilling Season Opener

As the curtain rises on the 2025 basketball season, fans gathered in Lakeland, Florida, to witness an exciting opener between the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and the nationally ranked No. 4 Daemen Wildcats. Unfortunately for the Bears, the game didn’t end in their favor, as the Wildcats edged out Lenoir-Rhyne with a score of 75-69.

This encounter marked an important historical moment for Lenoir-Rhyne: it was the earliest official game in their men’s basketball program’s history. Despite the loss, Conrad Luczynski delivered an impressive performance with a double-double, racking up 17 points and 12 rebounds. “We gave it our all, but it just wasn’t enough today,” Luczynski reflected after the game.

Game Highlights

The contest was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Daemen began strong, taking a 14-8 lead in the opening minutes. Lenoir-Rhyne fought back through Akili Evans, equalizing the score and even taking a brief lead late in the first half. As the halftime buzzer echoed, the Bears found themselves ahead 36-35, showing their grit against the higher-ranked team.

The second half saw Tyler Burraston push the Bears ahead 49-46, much to the delight of the home crowd. Yet, Daemen responded with a crucial 13-5 run, regaining control at 63-56. Julian Dozier momentarily narrowed the gap with a three-pointer, making it 63-62, but Lenoir-Rhyne struggled to find scoring opportunities in the final minutes. Daemen made sure to hold the Bears to just one basket in that crucial stretch, sealing their victory.

Looking Ahead

As Lenoir-Rhyne prepares for their next challenge against No. 13 Michigan Tech, who recently defeated the No. 3 Dallas Baptist team in an overtime thriller, they will need to build on their strengths while addressing some tactical gaps highlighted during the game. The Bears’ next match is set for today at 3:30 PM ET at Jenkins Field House, where the home team will look to secure their first win of the season.

On the other side, Daemen University is actively working toward expanding its academic offerings. The institution has recently launched admissions programs that provide rolling admissions or Early Action options, encouraging prospective students to apply as soon as possible. By submitting applications by November 1, 2025, students can take advantage of the Four-Year Tuition Guarantee, ensuring predictable tuition costs throughout their studies. This initiative aligns with Daemen’s mission to support students in attaining their educational aspirations, as detailed in their admissions process.

As we turn our attention to the broader landscape of high school basketball, anticipation builds for the next season. The off-season discussions, such as those occurring in the Bluegrass region, spotlight teams like Taylor County as top contenders. With player transfers and coaching changes stirring the pot, fans are eager to see how these elements will shape the competition landscape. Will Taylor County maintain their dominance, or could other teams like Caverna or North Hardin rise to the occasion? The excitement is palpable as we await the final roster decisions and training camp developments that will set the stage for future matchups. For more insights on this evolving story, check out the Bluegrass Preps.