LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (February 16, 2011) — A huge roar echoed throughout all of Lincoln University as the Lions rallied against Salem International University, 76-69, in an epic overtime victory.

On Wednesday night, Lincoln University hosted the Salem International University (8-11) Tigers in what seemed to be one of the best games thus far in Manuel Rivero Hall.

The victory was also a slump-buster, halting a seven-game losing streak and most impressively, it snapped an eight-game overtime skid with the last victory involving an extra session coming on Feb. 2, 2008, versus Apprentice College. It also avenged a 64-48 defeat to the Tigers in the second game of the season on Nov. 22.

Junior guard Denzel Mooney (Baltimore, Md./Western School of Technology) logged his fifth game with at least 30 points, finishing right at the mark this night. Combined with Kwaheem Smith (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic)'s career-high 14 points and Terron Jones (Bronx. NY/Fiorello H. LaGuardia HS)' dozen, the Lions fought their way through a savage battle.

None of his 11 field goals was bigger than his one that forced overtime. LU (3-20, 1-18 CIAA, 1-8 North) trailed by as many as eight points, and coming out of a timeout and trailing, 61-59, Emmanuel Kakulu (Boston, MA/Another course of College) in-bounded the ball to a streaking Mooney, who slashed to the basket and laid it in to tie the game with 35 seconds left. The Tigers came up empty on their final possession of regulation, and the game went into overtime.

In the extra session, the Lions never trailed, scoring the first five points coming off a free throw by senior forward Eugene Smith (West Palm Beach, Fl/PennWood ) and a jumper and two free throws by Mooney.

The Tigers came to the game more than ready to show LU what they were made of. With the Lady Lions handing out a Valentine's Day Massacre to the Lady Tigers two days prior, SIU really came focused.

LU shot out to a 12-9 lead not long after the tip ball; it was not until 11:20 left in the opening period that SIU would turn on the jets. Going on a 9-0 run.

After a quiet start, Mooney sparked the continuation of his 30-point tangent withl 8:36 left in the first half on a pair of rain drops from the charity stripe. Putting on another offensive clinic he would end the game on 11-19 shooting (3-7 3pt) with a team-six boards and three assists. This would mark the 5th time that he has scored 30+ points in a game and be his 14th game with at least 20+ points.

Smith had a more than favorable opening period scoring eight points on 3-4 shooting. At half-time the bout was dead even at 32.

Lincoln University showed a huge burst of energy coming out on a 5-0 run to open the second period. For a majority of the second half both teams were dead even, trading baskets almost willingly.

With 8:06, things began looking bleak when Ray'Mar Porter drained a trey to put the Lions down, 64-56, the largest hole of the game.

A 3-pointer from Jones in the far corner would bring the Lions within four. A pair of Kakulu free throws along with a Kwaheem Smith (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic) fast break lay-up off of a steal would knot the game once again.

An SIU layup would be matched by a Mooney scoop shot, shoving the game out of regulation and right into overtime.

LU would be the first to score in OT and would dig their paws into that lead for the rest of the game.

Next up

Lincoln University will be looking for its second-straight win and fourth win of the season as they host Virginia Union University on Saturday, February 19 at 7:30 pm at Manuel Rivero Hall in Senior Night.

— LU —