The men’s basketball team has continued its transformation from good team to great team in what has been a magical season thus far.

The Flames finished off January with their nineteenth and twentieth consecutive victories in key conference wins against Tennessee Temple (98-44) and South Wesleyan (102-83).

Headed into February, the Flames had marched their way up the NAIA poll, ranked third behind Mountain State and Georgetown (Ky).

But last Wednesday night, the Flames winning streak reached a halt, as they were dealt their first blow in a thrilling heartbreaker against a tough Auburn-Montgomery team (ranked 23rd in the NAIA poll).

While the loss cost them a perfect record in terms of standings, it hasn’t cost them a perfect season in the eyes of many fans. The Flames have played with passion, poise, determination and resolve all season long, and expect that to continue through the last six regular season games until the SSAC Tournament.

The setback to AUM may have tightened the conference title race, but this could serve as a blessing in disguise for the Flames, as they seek to make one final push in what should go down as the greatest single season in men’s basketball history at Lee University.

Since Coach Brown’s arrival in 2005, the men’s team has reeled off three times as many victories as losses (67-21). But with a current record of 21-1, the Flames are way ahead of the winning pace set in the past two seasons, in which the team posted double-digits in the loss column (10).

The roster has experienced plenty of player movement over the course of three seasons, but the team realizes this unit is something special.

“A lot of players that were our go-to guys last year had to put self aside and give up a little. Every player on our team has had to sacrifice something in order for the whole to be great and that has made all the difference. We have all had to let go of minutes played and even when on the bench we cheer each other on,” said guard Freddie Williams.

The Flames have their eye on capturing their first conference and tournament title since 2006, and hope this team of unique talent and ability can push them to even greater heights.

“The main thing that has made this team one of the best that I’ve ever played on is the team’s chemistry. We really love each other like brothers. Everyone puts the team before themselves that’s what makes our team great,” said center Desmond Blue.