RALEIGH, N.C. (January 10, 2009) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team dropped a 75-74 decision to Saint Augustine's College Saturday night at sold-out Emery Gym. Lincoln, which had erased a 13-point halftime deficit to lead late in the game, had the ball with an opportunity to secure a monumental victory. (BOXSCORE)
With 5.1 seconds remaining, Lincoln's Darren Clark (Boston, MA, Largo)raced up the right sideline with the ball and the game in his hands. The freshman guard quickly darted into the lane as the clock ticked under two seconds. He contorted his body through a forest of Saint Augustine's defenders and released a shot that appeared to be headed straight for the bottom of the net. The ball rested on the rim for a couple of miliseconds as the sold out gym held its breath. Unfortunately for Clark and the Lincoln men's basketball team, the shot bounced harmlessly to the ground as time expired.
Orange-shirted and sweaty Lincoln players fell to the brown hardwood floor in stunned disbelief after playing their hearts out and putting forth an amazing effort. Saint Augustine's players, along with its fans breathed a sigh of relief as it extended its winning streak to nine games. It wasn't easy as the Falcons turned back Lincoln's upset bid.
Lincoln (2-9 overall) placed four players in double figures highlighted by Damian Hyman (Bronx, NY, Harry S. Truman), who scored 19 points. Bryant Leach (Philadelphia, PA, John Bartram)added 13 points and seven assists. Jabyron Wilson finished with 12 points and Ladaye Johnson (Wilmington, DE, Hodgson Vo-Tech)chipped in with 11 points. Eugene Smith (West Palm Beach, Fl, PennWood ) led Lincoln with eight rebounds.
After trailing, 46-33 at intermission, Lincoln opened the second half on a 26-8 blitz to grab a 59-54 advantage with 10 minutes, 54 seconds remaining. The Falcons responed by scoring seven straight points to take a 61-59 lead with 9:13 remaining. From there, both teams traded the lead and big baskets.
Clark gave Lincoln its final lead, 66-65, on a layup with 6:47 remaining. Steven Brignol gave the Falcons the lead for good, 67-66 on a basket 27 seconds later. Trailing, 75-70 with four minutes remaining, Lincoln's defense held the Falcons scoreless for the remainder of the game as it calmly got back into the game.
Darrell Mosley (Chester, PA, Chester )scored on a soft floater to pull Lincoln to within, 75-72 with 2:18 remaining. A Wilson dunk pulled Lincoln to within, 75-74 with 1 minute remaining. That set the stage for a great, albeit frustrating, finish. Lincoln made 49.1 percent of its baskets during the game.
The Lions return to action Tuesday evening when they host Livingstone College at 7:30 p.m. at Rivero Hall. It will be Lincoln's first home game in 45 days.
