RICHMOND, Va. (December 13, 2007) -- Junior Dante Blanton-Holcombe erupted for a career-high 37 points, but it wasn't enough as Lincoln dropped a 94-77 decision to 2006 NCAA Division II national champion Virginia Union University Thursday night at Barco-Stevens Gym. (BOXSCORE)
This was the first meeting between Lincoln and Virginia Union since 1995. Lincoln's record fell to 1-10 while Virginia Union improved its mark to 4-1.
This was the fourth time this season, Blanton-Holcombe established a career-high in points. Blanton-Holcombe's previous career-best scoring total was 32 points, set twice this season against Holy Family and Briarcliffe. In reaching double digits for the 13th consecutive game, Blanton-Holcombe was 12-for-30 from the field, 9-for-20 from 3-point distance. The nine made 3-pointers are the most by a Lincoln player in a single game since Sami Wylie made an NCAA record 21 last December during a victory over Ohio State-Marion.
Junior Jermaine Russell reached double digits with 18 points. Junior guard Ladaye Johnson scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds. Senior Khalif Johnson handed out four assists.
However, that effort could not overcome the balanced Panthers, who placed five players in double figures led by Brandon Allen's 15 points. Brandon Smith scored 14 points. Brad Byerson scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds and had two steals. Greg Radford came off the bench to post a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Brandon Byerson finished with 10 points for the Panthers, who made 50 percent of their shots for the game.
Virginia Union won the rebounding battle, 53-37. The Panthers led, 40-35, at intermission and Lincoln was within two points early in the second half. Lincoln turned the ball over a season-low 10 times.
Virginia Union will visit Lincoln on Tuesday February 19, 2008.
The Lions close the first half of the semester against rival Cheyney University Saturday night at Temple University's McGonigle Hall beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the game are $20 and can be puchased at the door. For more information on the game, please contact Cheyney University at 610-399-2143.
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