LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (January 15, 2009) – The Lincoln University Men's Basketball team ended a five game losing streak when it defeated Virginia State University 67-53 Thursday night at Manuel Rivero Hall. (BOXSCORE)
Leading scorer for Lincoln (3-10) was Bryant Leach (Philadelphia, PA, John Bartram) who led four players in double digit scoring with 15. Leach also grabbed nine rebounds, and had a pair of blocks and steals. Other Lincoln players in double digit scoring were Damian Hyman (Bronx, NY, Harry S. Truman) (12 points), Darrell Mosley (Chester, PA, Chester )(11 points) and Darren Clark (Boston, MA, Largo) (10 points).
The Lions led the Trojans 30-25 at halftime. The Trojans went on a 6-0 run against the Lions at the start of the second half. A pair of consecutive jumpers from Virginia State's Trey Mines brought the Trojans down to a one point deficit with 18 minutes and 24 seconds left in the game. The Trojan's Brandon Macklin slammed down a dunk that had even Lincoln fans out their seats to give Virginia State back the lead (30-31).
Lions forward Eugene Smith (West Palm Beach, Fl, PennWood ) dropped an easy 3-pointer to put the Lions back on top (33-31). Smith was a defensive giant for Lincoln grabbing eight rebounds and recording three blocks. Smith also had five points for the Lions.
The game featured its last tie (46-46) with seven minutes and 31 seconds in the game before the Lions offense and defense took control. Lincoln's defense held Virginia State to seven points as it outscored the Trojans 21-7.
Key players for Virginia State were Macklin who led the Trojans with 12 point. J.C. Chaney added nine points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Mines added 10 points of his own. Macklin also grabbed seven rebounds for the Trojans who are now 8-9.
The game featured eight ties and lead changes. Lincoln is now 12-11 in the all-time series against Virginia State, last defeating the Trojans in 1998. The Lions return to action Saturday on the road at Philadelphia University.
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