Box Score  Lincoln University, PA – Four Lions (13-5, 5-4CIAA) reached double-figure scoring in a 75-71 loss to Virginia Union University (5-14, 4-6 CIAA) on Saturday, January 25^th.

The Lions hit three straight shots from long range in the opening minutes against Virginia Union. With a 20-7 lead by the 14:49 mark,, senior guard Justin Jackson (Baltimore, MD/Digital Harbor HS) caught fire from three-point range with three consecutive treys. The Lions made 12 first half three-pointers and held a 15-point lead over Virginia Union. Senior guard George Jackson (Baltimore, MD/Digital Harbor HS) went a perfect 3-for-3 from downtown, while junior forward Tony Efese (Spring Valley, NY/St. Joseph Regional HS) and senior guard Derrick Washington (Washington, DC/Coolidge SHS) both made two three-pointers each. Justin led all scorers with 14 points on 4-of-5 made three-pointers pacing Lincoln to a 49-35 lead at the half.

With a 14-point halftime advantage the Lions offense suddenly went cold in the second half. The Panthers made 12 shots from the field and also hit 14-of-17 free-throws to climb back into the game. Lincoln struggled with only six field goals and went 9-for-17 from the line. After making an incredible 12 three-pointers in the first 20-minutes the Lions went 1-for-12.

Virginia Union led for the first time 56-55 at the 8:13 mark and extended it to 57-55 after two made free-throws on a Lions foul behind the arc. On the ensuing possession, Lincoln's Tony Efese (Spring Valley, NY/St. Joseph Regional HS) hit a three-pointer to put the Lions ahead 66-64, with 3:10 left to play.

The Panthers answered with five straight points and held a 69-66 advantage with 47-seconds left. Trailing VUU 73-70, Lincoln drew a foul behind the three-point line on the Panthers with 3-seconds left in the game. The Lions came up short by missing two out of the three attempts and Virginia Union escaped with a 75-71 win.

Lincoln led 49-35 at the half then was outscored 40-22 in the second half in their first home loss of the season. Tony Efese (Spring Valley, NY/St. Joseph Regional HS) and Derrick Washington (Washington, DC/Coolidge SHS) both had seven points and George Jackson (Baltimore, MD/Digital Harbor HS) had four points in the second half.

Overall, Derrick Washington (Washington, DC/Coolidge SHS) led the Lincoln coming off the bench with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Justin Jackson (Baltimore, MD/Digital Harbor HS) had 14 points including four made three-pointers while Tony Efese (Spring Valley, NY/St. Joseph Regional HS) and George Jackson (Baltimore, MD/Digital Harbor HS) both had 13 points each. Efese led the Lions for the eighth time this season with six rebounds and converted a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

The Lions fall to 13-5 overall, 5-4 conference, and 1-3 CIAA North record. Lincoln will host Chowan University on Wednesday, January 29^th at 7:30 p.m. in their next game.