Wilmington, Del. - Dec. 7, 2025 - The Lincoln University women's basketball team put together one of its strongest defensive efforts of the season, but late free throws proved costly as the Lions fell 50–49 to Johnson C. Smith inside Chase Fieldhouse. Lincoln moves to 1–7 overall and 0–1 in CIAA play.

The Lions were led by Kaziah Akinniyi (Baltimore, Md./Poly), who delivered a team-high 18 points, including a perfect 7–7 from the free-throw line. She was joined by Riley Holliday (Baltimore, MD/), who posted an impressive 11 rebounds and 6 points while anchoring the interior defense.

Lincoln's defensive pressure kept the game tight throughout—forcing 16 JCSU turnovers, collecting 7 steals, and recording 5 blocks, three of them from Anyia Gibson (Edgewood, MD/), who also finished with 4 points and 3 steals while playing 31 minutes.

A late push in the fourth quarter gave Lincoln multiple chances to retake the lead, but second-chance points and timely baskets by JCSU's La'Niya Simes (17 points, 12 rebounds) proved to be the difference.

Despite the narrow setback, the Lions controlled the paint (26 points inside) and held the Golden Bulls to just 2 three-pointers on the afternoon.

Next Up:
Lincoln continues CIAA play on Monday, December 15, hosting Winston-Salem State University at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware.