BALTIMORE, MD – In a tightly contested CIAA Tournament matchup at CFG Bank Arena, Lincoln University (PA) secured a hard-fought 56-53 victory over Claflin University on Thursday night. The Lions overcame a halftime deficit with a strong defensive effort to advance in the tournament.

Peter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic) led the charge for Lincoln, recording a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds while adding a block and three assists. Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day School) contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while senior guard Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J./University) chipped in 13 points, including two three-pointers.

Despite trailing 29-27 at the break, the Lions clamped down defensively in the second half, holding Claflin to just 27.6% shooting from the field. Lincoln capitalized on its interior presence, scoring 32 points in the paint compared to Claflin's 18.

The game saw six ties and seven lead changes, but Lincoln's composure in the final minutes proved to be the difference. Reggie Hudson (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond's) played a key role in managing the offense, finishing with five assists.

Lincoln will now advance to the next round of the CIAA Tournament, looking to build on this gritty performance as the team will face Virginia State University at 2:00 p.m. in CFG Bank Arena tomorrow February 28,2025.