LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (November 22, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions men's basketball team found themselves on the wrong side of an 87-86 scoreline against the Vulcans of California University of Pennsylvania (Cal. PA) on Wednesday afternoon.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 86, Cal. PA 87
Records: Lincoln (2-3, 0-0), Cal. PA (4-0, 0-0)
Location: Lincoln University, PA (Manuel Rivero Gymnasium)
Series: Lincoln trails in the series, 1-2, against Cal. PA


FIRST HALF

• The 1^st half ruled in favor of Lincoln, as they outscored Cal. PA, 41-38.
• From the tip-off, both teams demonstrated their offensive skills engaging in a fierce back-and-forth battle.
• Although the Vulcans took an early 5-0 lead, the Lions tied the score and quickly jumped ahead.
• LU remained consistent despite the visiting Vulcans staying within lead changing range.
• Cal. PA managed to carve out a slim lead, but the Lions put together a combination of plays to that elevated them to regain the lead.
• Lincoln's defense went into overdrive in the final seconds of the half to maintain their lead, 41-38, going into halftime.

SECOND HALF

• The 2^nd half unfolded with even more intensity.
• Cal. PA launched a comeback led by their star player, but LU responded with composure, working to maintain their lead through timely baskets and disciplined defense.
• With seconds left in the contest, the score was tied 85-all.
• The Lions were 1-for-2 at the line, giving the home team a 1-point lead.
• The Vulcans secured a basket to take the lead, as everyone in Manuel Rivero stood to their feet.
• Unfortunately, the Lions missed a jumper at the buzzer, resulting in a tough 87-86 loss at home.
• The players, while disappointed with the outcome, recognized the lessons to be learned from such closely contested match.
• The one-point loss served as motivation for the Lions to refine their strategies, fine-tune their execution, and come back stronger.

LION LEADERS

• Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J./University) led the Lions in scoring with 21 points.
• Also scoring in double digits were Reggie Hudson (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond's) (19 points), Freddie Young, Jr. (Ewing, N.J./Trenton Catholic) (17 points) and Janaie Coates-Sinues (Newark, N.J./University) (13 points).
• Coates-Sinues controlled Lincoln's boards with 9 rebounds, in addition to snagging 3 steals.
• Reggie Hudson (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond's) also added to LU's stats with 5 assists.

UP NEXT
The Lions will travel to Erie, PA to take on Davenport University on Friday, November 24 for day 1 of Gary Miller Classic hosted by Gannon University.  Tip-off is set for 5:30pm at the Highmark Events Center.

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).