FAYETTEVILLE, NC (September 16, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions, under the leadership of first year head coach Frank Turner, dominated the 3^rd quarter against the Fayetteville State University Broncos, in their conference matchup. Unfortunately, the Lions were not able to take the win, falling to FSU in a close 20-17 road contest.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 17, Fayetteville State 20
Records: Lincoln (1-2, 0-1), Fayetteville State (1-2, 1-0)
Location: Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, NC
Series: Lincoln trails the series, 0-8, against Fayetteville State
 
FIRST HALF

• The first half of the LU verses FSU conference matchup did not see any orange and blue endzone action.
• Holding the Broncos back for most of the first quarter, the Lions defense stood their ground as FSU was only able to gain a field goal with under 3 minutes left in the quarter.
• Lincoln's defense continued to do their job in the second quarter, as the Broncos were only able to enter the endzone in their last drive of the half.
• Entering the locker room at halftime, the Lions trail 9-0.

SECOND HALF

• The 3^rd quarter saw high energy from Lincoln, allowing offense a chance to get in on the action.
• In their opening drive of the half, the Lions got on the board after 6 plays for 91 yards.
• The action was jumpstarted thanks to Quarterback Isaiah Freeman (Chester, Pa./STEM Academy High School) who ran in for a 1-yard touchdown followed by a good kick from Andre Jandayan.
• With a score of 9-7, Lincoln got fired up to close the scoring gap and take the lead.
• In the Lions next drive, Freeman found Dah'mear Triplett (Elkton, Md./Elkton High School) for a 54-yard pass, resulting a Lions touchdown and a lead change.  Andre Jandayan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Frances Academy) sealed the deal with a kick, for a 14-9 Lions lead.
• The Broncos attempted to make a move in the following play, but Lincoln's Terryen Haywood (Washington, D.C./HD Woodson High School) found space for an interception.
• Lincoln held their 14-9 lead to end the 3^rd quarter.
• Keeping the momentum at the start of the 4^th quarter, the Lions Kamaal McMillan forced a Broncos fumble, which was recovered by Eric Best (Burlington, N.J./Burlington High School).
• In that recovery drive, Jandayan locked in a field goal for the Lions to give them a 17-9 lead.
• FSU came back in the final minutes of the game with a touchdown and 2-point conversion to tie the score 17-all.
• After an attempt to enter the endzone with a deep pass to Malachi Langley (Chester, Pa./Chester High School) was unsuccessful, the Lions defense fought to hold the Broncos back.
• With 5 seconds left in the game, the Lions took a timeout to lock in their final plan of action, with FSU still in possession of the ball.
• A 40-yard field goal as time lapsed ruled in favor of FSU with a final score of 20-17.
• The Lincoln Lions battled and competed hard against the 2022 CIAA Champions until the final seconds.

LION LEADERS

• Quarterback Isaiah Freeman was 16-for-27 on pass completions for 249 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Wide Receiver Malachi Langley covered 116 yards, on 5 receptions for the Lions, while Dah'mear Triplett entered the endzone after a gain of 64 yards on 3 receptions.
• Defensively, linebacker Kamaal McMillan led the charge for Lincoln with 12 total tackles (8 solo, 4 assisted), a tackle for a loss of 5 yards and issued a forced fumble. Also, defensive back Jahad Green (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro High School) collected 5 total tackles (4 solo, 1 assisted) and gave out 2 breakups.
• Kicker Andre Jandayan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Frances Academy) had his best performance of the season being 2-for-2 on PATs, collected 202 yards on 4 kickoffs and secured a 26 yard field goal.

 
UP NEXT
The Lions will return home to host the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University on September 23. Kick-off is set for 7pm at the LU Athletics Stadium.