FAIRMONT, W. Va. – The Lions suffered a 98-73 loss to Fairmont State in their first game of the season on Friday, November 13^th at the Joe Retton Classic. Junior Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College) paced the Lions with ten points and six rebounds.

Lincoln opened up their 2015-16 season at the Joe Retton Classic against host Fairmont State. The Lions shot 50% from both the field (27-of-53) and free throw line (15-of-25) but had 18 turnovers. Three scored in double figures led by junior Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College)' ten points and six rebounds. The bench was led by freshmen Blair Davis (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College HS)' team-high 12 points with three steals and junior Vernon Young (Chicago, IL/University of St. Mary)'s ten points.

Fairmont State got off to a strong start early in their home opener. Lincoln's Charles Cooley (Brentwood, MD/University of Charleston) scored six quick points to keep the Lions within striking distance in the first five minutes of action. Lincoln trailed 13-7 at the 14:34 mark of the half before they went on a 9-3 run to tie the game. LU's Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College) was fouled on a made layup and then converted on the three point play to tie it up at 16-16.

Fairmont State responded with a run taking a double digit lead over the next ten minutes of play. Lincoln's Kelly Marsh (Smithfield, NC/Pitt Community College) hit a pair of three pointers in the first half leading the bench with six points while starter Charles Cooley (Brentwood, MD/University of Charleston) tallied eight points with seven rebounds. Lincoln fell behind by 14 points but trailed 42-32 at the half after a last second basket by Blair Davis (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College HS). The Lions made 13-of-27 shots from the field (48%) compared to 15-of-36 shots (41%) by the Falcons. Fairmont State found success from long range with 6-of-18 made three pointers and forcing LU into nine first half turnovers.

In the second half junior Vernon Young (Chicago, IL/University of St. Mary) and senior Deonte Moore (Orlando, FL/Virginia Union University) helped the Lions cut into the double digit deficit with timely scoring. Lincoln trailed 46-38 after a pair of free throws by Moore at the 18:40 mark. Young went 4-for-4 from the field scoring all ten of his points in the second half. Fairmont State held on to their lead and took a huge 92-60 advantage with 4-minutes left to play. Blair Davis (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College HS) netted eight points down the stretch and freshmen Umar Saaba (Philadephia, PA/Boys Latin HS) added five points including 3-of-4 made free-throws.

The Falcons increased their field goal percentage to 68% and hit 7-of-9 three pointers in the second half to down the Lions 98-73. Five Falcons reached double figure scoring including a pair of 20 point performances by Matt Bingaya and Chase Connor. LU's Quaman Burton (Richmond, VA/John Marshall HS) dished out a team-high four assists, Charles Cooley (Brentwood, MD/University of Charleston) grabbed seven rebounds, and Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College) recorded one block. Seven new Lions debuted against the Falcons in the season opener.

Lincoln plays West Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday, November 14^th at 5 p.m.