MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- Lamont King had a game-high 26 points as Ferrum College beat USA South newcomer Maryville College 74-69 this afternoon on the road.  Ferrum has won four of its last five games, including three in a row.  King's 26 points is a season-high mark for the senior forward.

Ferrum led by three at halftime, 39-36, but a Jamal Pullen layup and King jumper widened the lead to 43-36 at the 17:23 mark.  Oscar Butler hit a jumper to cut the lead to five, but Ferrum's Donte Thomas drilled a three-pointer to put Ferrum up 46-38 at 15:45.  A few minutes later, Charles Warren, Thomas and King hit jumpers on consecutive trips down the floor to give Ferrum a 54-43 lead at 9:24.

The Scots got as close as three points on a Jaumonee Byrd jumperat the 5:20 mark, but Ferrum went on a 10-3 run over the next four minutes to go up 67-57 with 1:51 left to play.  King was 10-16 from the floor, 6-6 from the free throw line and added five rebounds.  It was his foutth 20+ scoring output this season.  Thomas had 15 points, Warren had 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Pullen closed with 10 points and five rebounds.  J.D. Wallace chipped in seven points in the win.

Christian Ford scored 15 points for Maryville (6-8, 3-4 USA South).  The Scots hit 10 three-point baskets, going 10-19 from behind the arc.  Both teams shot an identical 25-52 (48%) from the floor, but Ferrum won the rebounding battle 40-28.

The win keeps Ferrum (8-6, 5-1 USA South) in a tie for first place in the league standings with nationally-ranked Christopher Newport University.  The Panthers return to action Wednesday, Jan. 16, on the road at non-conference opponent Marymount University.  The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. in Arlington, Virginia.  Coach Bill Tharp's team will then have a week to prepare for a USA South home game against Greensboro College Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.