Baltimore, MD— In the opening game of the 2009 season, the Lincoln University men's basketball team headed to Baltimore in a contest with Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Division I member Coppin State University.
Despite falling behind early, Lincoln fought through a multitude of missed lay ups and open shots. However, Coppin's shooting prowess and size advantage proved to be too much as the Eagles of Copping came out on top 76-69.
In a highly energized first half, the Lions hung tough in the early minutes against the Eagles of Coppin State. The home team rode the coattails of guard Lenny Young, who came out scorching, scoring 23 points, including three from the three point line.
At the 11:50 mark, a Damian Hyman (Bronx, NY/Harry S. Truman) three made it a 16-9 contest. Darrell Mosley (Chester, PA/Chester ) followed with another to pull Lincoln within four. That was as close as Lincoln would get in the opening period.
Lincoln struggled from the floor, only shooting 23 percent, compared to Coppin's 41 percent. This spelled doom as they went into the locker room down 40-25.
It was more of the same as Coppin came out of the locker room clicking on all cylinders. Kareem Brown did his best impersonation of Young quickly nailing down two from three. That would spark plug a 16-9 run to make it a 56-34 game early in the final half.
An ankle breaking and one from Denzel Mooney (Baltimore, Md./Western School of Technology) would build momentum for the Lions. Energized, Lincoln would play its trademark fast break play, pulling within twelve at 67-55.
Lincoln would make one final push with a minute left after an acrobatic lay up from Mooney to make it 74-63, but time was not on their side as Coppin made their second home at the charity stripe.
In his homecoming, Dunbar product Dante Blanton-Holcombe (Baltimore, MD/Dunbar) overcame a scoreless from the floor first half to lead Lincoln with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Fellow senior Hyman displayed constant energy, going for 18 points and six boards. Ladaye Johnson (Wilmington, DE/Hodgson Vo-Tech) also contributed with 10 points and snatched down 7 boards.
After a lack luster first half, the Lions out scored the Eagles 44-36 in the second half.
With this being an exhibition game against a Division I opponent, Lincoln showed heart. If it was not for a slow start and countless missed opportunities, the game could have easily swayed the other way.
The seven point loss should prove to be valuable as Lincoln begins their second season in the ultra competitive CIAA.
Lincoln returns to action on November 19, with another tough test when the West Chester Golden Rams pay a visit to Manuel Rivero Hall. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m.
