Box Score ERIE, PA (November 25, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions men's basketball team fell in a close matchup, 97-93, to the hosts of the Gary Miller Classic, the Golden Knights of Gannon University for day 2 of the event.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 93, Gannon 97
Records: Lincoln (3-4, 0-0), Gannon (5-0, 0-0)
Location: Erie, PA (Highmark Events Center)
Series: Lincoln trails in the series, 1-0, against Gannon


FIRST HALF

• In a thrilling men's basketball showdown, the Lions (CIAA) and the Golden Knights (PSAC), two evenly matched teams, were both predicted to finish 7^th in their conference divisions.
• From the opening tip-off, both teams showcased their offensive firepower, exchanging baskets in a relentless back-and-forth, tying the score 8 times.
• LU worked to stay consistent with Gannon having the home court and classic host advantage.
• As the teams toggled for control of the game, Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day School) led the Lions in the first half scoring 14 of their 51 points.
• As the clock ticked down to halftime, the score was knotted at 51-51, a testament to the competitive nature of the game.

SECOND HALF

• Although the 2^nd half mimicked the 1^st, the Lions halftime regroup gave them the motivation to shift their plays into another gear.
• Every possession became a critical moment, especially for LU as they extended their lead.
• Despite Gannon answering back to shots secured by Lincoln, the home teams turnovers gave the Lions space to clinched game changing baskets.
• The tension grew in the closing minutes of the contest as LU only held a 1-point lead over the Golden Knights.
• LU fell behind, 93-90, after being plagued by several missed baskets.
• Looking to a final glimpse of hope, the Lions took a timeout with 5 seconds left in regulation.
• Gannon fouled LU coming out the timeout, sending them to the line to secure 2 points.
• Both teams continued to exchange fouls until the final buzzer.
• Despite the hard fight and final second efforts, Lincoln took a close 97-93 loss to Gannon.

LION LEADERS

• Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day School) led the Lions in scoring with 20 points.
• Also scoring in double digits were Peter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic) (16 points), Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J./University) (13 points) Aidan Anderson (Mount Laurel, N.J./Lenape) (10 points), Manny Toha (Newark, N.J./Marist) (10 points) and Freddie Young, Jr. (Ewing, N.J./Trenton Catholic) (10 points).
• Young controlled Lincoln's boards with 7 rebounds in addition to 3 steals, while Hudson led the team with 9 assists.

UP NEXT
The Lions travel up the road to Philadelphia, PA to take on Jefferson University on Tuesday, November 28.  Tip-off is set for 8pm at the Gallagher 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).