LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. –Lincoln used a second half rally to win their season opener against West Virginia Wesleyan 84-62 on Saturday, November 15
th in Manuel Rivero Hall. Four Lions finished in double figure scoring led by
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS)'s 18 points.
Lincoln trailed West Virginia Wesleyan 30-23 at the half after shooting a low 18% (7-37) from the field. Senior
Courtney Lucas (Washington, DC/Friendship Collegiate Academy) paced the Lions with six points and five rebounds while senior
Zephrah Pam (Syracuse, NY/Monroe CC) carried the bench with five points and five rebounds in the opening half.
The Bobcats opened up the second half jumping to their largest lead (36-24) of the game. Junior
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) sparked the Lions in the second half with 18 points and four assists. She rallied her Lions teammates on a 7-0 run cutting into the deficit with a couple of made baskets from long range and timely defense. Lincoln forced 14 second half turnovers that lead to 17 points in their come from behind victory. Smith, Pam and freshman
Teira Pendleton (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Poly Institute) each scored in double figures as the Lions outscored the Bobcats 61-32 in the final half. Lincoln shot an amazing 65% (23-35) from the field and cruised to an 84-62, win in their season opener.
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) led Lincoln with 18 points including four three-pointers. Smith dished out five assists and had four steals rallying LU to a non-conference victory. The bench was led by
Zephrah Pam (Syracuse, NY/Monroe CC)'s double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Pam also had four steals and led the Lions at the free-throw line converting on 6-of-10 attempts.
Teira Pendleton (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Poly Institute) finished with ten points in her first collegiate game and also grabbed five rebounds and recorded three steals. Junior
Amani Clark (Middletown, DE/Appoquinimink HS) also scored ten points and had five rebounds against the Bobcats while junior
Lisa Saunders (Hampton, VA/Hampton HS) had a team-high five assists and eight points.
Lincoln has won their last two season openers and will hope to carry their momentum into their next game against Chestnut Hill on Tuesday, November 18
th at 5:30 p.m. in Manuel Rivero Hall.