RALEIGH, N.C. (January 8, 2009) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team went nearly eight minutes without a basket in the second half during an 81-72 loss to Shaw University Thursday evening at C.C. Spaulding Gym. (BOXSCORE)

The Lions (2-8 overall) placed four players in double digits highlighted by Bryant Leach, who scored a game-high 21 points. Also reaching double figures for the visting Lions were Damian Hyman (18 points), Darren Clark (12 points) and Darrell Mosley (10 points). Jabyron Wilson finished with 11 rebounds for the Lions in his season debut.

After leading, 36-35 at intermission and by three points on a pair of occasions early in the second half, the Lions went through a prolonged shooting drought. A Mosley 3-pointer from the corner gave Lincoln a 44-43 advantage with 16:55 remaining. Shaw used a 17-2 run over a 7:51 span of the second half to open a 60-46 edge with 9:22 remaining. During the run, Lincoln missed 10 consecutive shots. The Lions only points came courtesy of a pair of Clark foul shots.

Despite trailing by 14 points, the Lions rallied and closed to within, 71-68, following a Leach 3-pointer with 1:51 remaining. After that, Lincoln finished the game by making one of its final six baskets. Lincoln shot 30 percent (12-for-40) in the second half.

In getting even for an earlier loss to Lincoln in November, Shaw missed four shots in the entire second half. Shaw made 81 percent of its shots (17-for-21) after intermission. Overall, Shaw became the first team this season to shoot over 50 percent against Lincoln this season.

The Lions forced 21 turnovers and made eight 3-pointers. The game featured eight lead changes and five ties. Also for Lincoln, Leach and Eugene Smith had seven rebounds each.

Deyshawn Ford, who did not play in the first meeting, led Shaw (4-9) with 19 points. Raheem Smith added 16 points and Travis Nelson finished with 14 points. Nelson's team-high nine rebounds helped the Bears win the rebounding battle, 45-41.

Lincoln finishes its Raleigh “two-step” Saturday evening when it visits the red-hot Saint Augustine's Falcons, winners of eight straight games at Emery Gym beginning at 7:30. Shaw travels to Bowie State Saturday evening.

NOTES: Clark tied his career high with four steals for the second consecutive game. …Clark and Hyman combined to go 10-for-12 from the foul line. …Lincoln finished without a blocked shot for the first time this season. …Beginning with Saturday's game against St. Augustine's, Lincoln will play seven games in 14 days.

--LU--