^[1]

Led by senior point guard De’ Andre Carson, the Lehman boys basketball team won its third straight game with a 67-54 victory at home over the Dripping Springs Tigers Tuesday night. (Photo by Judy Cooper)

By KEFF CIARDELLO

The Lobos improved their overall record to 9-8 and are above .500 for the first time this season.

“It’s a big win for us,” said Lehman head coach Thomas Acker. “Dripping Springs has won some games against quality opponents so for us to beat them says a lot about us. We aren’t anywhere near where we need to be but we’re getting better.”

The Tigers kept it close it the first half, allowing Lehman only a 27-25 lead at halftime thanks in part to a couple quick 3-pointers before the second quarter ended.

Lehman star point guard De’Andre Carson took over in the second half on both sides of the court. Twice in the third quarter he stole the ball then dribbled full court, outrunning defenders for layups.

Lehman increased its lead to 48-41 heading into the final quarter.

With four minutes left in the game, Carson crossed over a defender at the top of the key with a lightning-quick move and then flew past another for another close-range basket. Carson was fouled on the play and ended up sliding on his stomach, but that didn’t stop him from getting up and sinking the ensuing free throw for a three-point play to give Lehman a 57-45 advantage.

“We knew they were going to be tough and that they have a lot of key shooters but we stayed in their face the whole game and contested their shots,” said Carson, who finished with a game-high 21 points.

The Lobos tough play in the paint forced the Tigers into rushing their jump shot attempts. Any time the Tigers did get into the paint, their shot was contested one of the Lobos. Diverson Charles and Robert Salinas played particularly well on the inside for the Lobos.

“They were tough inside but I did what I had to do,” said Charles. “We have to keep working hard at practice and do what we do and will get wins like this.”

Charles finished the game with 10 points and six rebounds.

After the Lobos next game Friday at Wimberley, they begin district play on December 21 when they host Alamo Heights.

Related stories:

• Lehman boys basketball team lick Lockhart Lions ^[2]  01/9/2013
• Lobo injuries add up in elite hoops games ^[3]  06/24/2009
• Lehman boys basketball team holds off late Elgin charge in 42-39 win ^[4]  01/19/2010