LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (January 21, 2009) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team defeated the University of the Sciences, 64-54 Wednesday night at Manuel Rivero Hall for the first time in 14 years. (BOXSCORE)
The Lions (5-11 overall) surpassed its win total from last year (four) by defeating the Devils. The Lions improved to 5-2 at Rivero Hall this season after winning its third straight home game. Lincoln's last victory over USP was a 68-66 decision on December 2, 1994 in the first round of the Gallaudet Holiday tournament.
Leading scorer for the Lions was Jabyron Wilson (Lake City, S.C./Elizabeth City State) who had 11 points and five rebounds for the Lions in his second start. Wilson is averaging nine points per game in seven games. Bryant Leach (Philadelphia, PA, John Bartram) and Ladaye Johnson (Wilmington, DE, Hodgson Vo-Tech) both finished with 10 points for Lincoln. Leach added three assist and one blocked shot.
Lincoln received at least two points from all its players, including Eugene Smith (West Palm Beach, Fl, PennWood ) who finished with nine. Smith also had a career high 12 rebounds and three blocked shots. Smith is leading Lincoln with 24 blocks this season.
With the score tied 36-36 with 13 minutes and 59 minutes left in the game, Johnson went on a scoring frenzy for the Lions scoring eight straight points. Lincoln held the Science's to seven points in the last five minutes of the game. Lincoln's defense also held the Devils to just seven points in the last 12 minutes and 13 seconds of the first half. Offensively Lincoln outscored University of the Sciences 18-7 while making four of five 3- pointers in the same time frame to open a 30-24 lead at intermission.
This was the third consecutive home game that Lincoln has held its opponent below 60 points. Lincoln is 12-0 under fifth-year coach Garfield Yuille when holding teams below 60 points. Lincoln improved to 3-1 against CACC schools this year.
The Devil's were paced by Adewale Adefemi who finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Adefemi also dished out four assists. Shane Connor finished with nine points shooting three for five from the 3-point line. Tramar Beaman was also a force for the Devil's finishing with eight points and five rebounds.
Lincoln will return to action Saturday night when it hosts Saint Augustine's College at 7:30. Saint Augustine's defeated Lincoln, 75-74, two weeks ago in Raleigh, NC. University of the Science's will host Wilmington University at 3:00 Saturday afternoon.
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