Box Score ELIZABETH CITY, NC (November 10, 2023)- The Lincoln University men's basketball team opened their 2023-24 season at the PSAC/ CIAA Challenge on Friday evening. The Lions took on the Warriors of East Stroudsburg University, going into an overtime showdown. LU was not able to defeat their top-ranked PSAC opponent, coming up short in overtime with a final score of 81-74.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 74, East Stroudsburg 81
Records: Lincoln (0-1, 0-0), East Stroudsburg (1-0, 0-0)
Location: R.L. Vaughan Center (Elizabeth City, NC)
Series: Lincoln trail the series, 0-2, against ESU

FIRST HALF

• Although Janaie Coares-Sinues got the Lions on the board early in the half, a game opening dunk by East Stroudsburg jump started the competitive matchup between the 2 talented teams.
• The Warriors began to pull away with a double-digit lead as time lapsed, but Peter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic) sprung into action securing 15 of his 25 points in the first half.
• After trailing by as much as 14 points, Lincoln bounced back to close the scoring game coming within 5 points of tying the game.
• Despite the Lions entering the locker room at halftime trailing 32-27, they were optimistic about the next half.

SECOND HALF

• Lincoln returned to the court ready to play in the 2^nd half, outscoring the ESU Warriors (41-36).
• Jumping right into action the Lions fought for and secure the lead in the opening minutes of the half.
• A jumper by Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J./University) gave LU a 37-36 lead, followed by Freddie Young, Jr. (Ewing, N.J./Trenton Catholic) with a shot from behind the arc to extend the lead further.
• The battle for control commenced as East Stroudsburg found space to pull away with an extended double-digit lead.
• A combination of dunks, jumpers and 3-pointers by the Lions closed the scoring gap, turning up the intensity of the matchup.
• With second left in regulation and despite the Lions only securing 1-of-2 at the line, a missed shot by East Stroudsburg sent the game into overtime with a score of 68-all.

 
OVERTIME

• Equally matched, both teams worked to dominate the court as overtime unfolded.
• ESU plagued the opening minutes of overtime with shots in their favor, giving them a slight edge.
• The Lions fought back relentlessly, managing to put up shots to stay in the game.
• Despite the efforts, LU was not about to bounce back, taking an 81-74 loss to their top-ranked PSAC opponent, East Stroudsburg.

LION LEADERS

• Peter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic) secured a season opener double-double, controlling LU's scoring and boards with 27 points and 16 rebounds against East Stroudsburg.  
• Also scoring in double digits were Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J./University) with 15 points and Janaie Coares-Sinues with 14 points
• Manny Toha (Newark, N.J./Marist) led the Lions with 6 assists, while Freddie Young, Jr. (Ewing, N.J./Trenton Catholic) was not too far behind with 5 assists.

UP NEXT
The Lions will face the Golden Bears of Kutztown University on Saturday November 11 for Day 2 of the PSAC/CIAA Challenge. Tip-off is set for 3pm at R.L. Vaughan Center on the campus of Elizabeth City State University.

STAY CONNECTED
For the most up-to-date information on LU Men's Basketball visit www.lulions.com, follow Lincoln U Athletics on Twitter (@LUL1onsAthletic), Instagram (LUl1onsathletic) and Facebook (Lincoln University Lions Athletics).