MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Chappelle Whitney started hot and stayed hot to help power the AUM men's basketball past Lee, 74-66, at the AUM Athletics Complex on Saturday.

Whitney finished with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting with seven rebounds as AUM (4-3, 1-1 Gulf South) never trailed. Malachi Rhodes had 17 points, making 9-of-10 at the free throw line to go with three rebounds and four assists. Talib Ferrette scored 11 points and also had four assists with sero turnovers in 40 minutes.

AUM made 21-of-25 at the foul line and shot 45 percent overall.

After a Rhodes jumper to open the game, Whitney scored the next six points for the Warhawks as they built an 8-3 lead. The lead ballooned to double figures late in the half when Whitney made a layup and 3-pointer in the final 8- seconds to send AUM into the locker room with a 41-27 lead.

The lead stayed between 8-16 point for much of the second half before Lee made a final charge to pull within six with 13 seconds remaining. But Whitney made two free throws and then Lee turned the ball over, allowing AUM to ice the game.

The Warhawks will travel to Delta State and Mississippi College for their next two games. AUM will meet Delta State on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. in Cleveland, Miss.