Lincoln University, Pa. - Dec. 7, 2025 - Lincoln men's basketball delivered its most complete performance of the season, surging past rival Cheyney University in an 85–77 victory during the annual Battle of the First inside a packed Manuel Rivero Hall. With the win, the Lions improve to 2–4 overall.

Bonard Johnson powered the offense with a standout 28-point performance, knocking down two threes and shooting 10–13 from the foul line. Jordan Sanders (Atlanta, GA) added a season-high 19 points, including four made threes, giving Lincoln an important spark from the perimeter.

In the paint, Kesean Shillingford (Newtown, PA) controlled the interior with 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Draven Pilson (Winston-Salem, NC) added 6 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman Julius Olanrewaju (Coalinga, CA) continued his efficient scoring with 15 points, hitting 5 of his 7 field-goal attempts.

Lincoln dominated the glass 44–33, generated 18 points off turnovers, and received a major lift from its bench, which contributed 35 points.

The Lions built a 40–36 halftime lead and extended it to as many as 12 in the second half thanks to improved three-point shooting (8 made threes) and a strong team defensive effort.

Next Up

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, December 10, when they travel to Lakeland, Fla., to face Florida Southern College at 7 p.m.