Baltimore, MD – February 24, 2026 – The Lincoln University (PA) men's basketball team delivered a composed second-half performance Tuesday evening, defeating Shaw University 69-63 in the opening round of the CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament at CFG Bank Arena.

With the win, the Lions improve to 10-19 overall and advance in tournament play after holding Shaw to just 30 percent shooting in the second half.

Julius Olanrewaju (Coalinga, CA) led the way with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He added six rebounds in 34 minutes. Ronald Bridges Jr. (Durham, NC) contributed 13 points and knocked down seven free throws, while Ginuwine Tropnas (Montreal, QC) added 10 points, converting a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.

Amadou Fall (Bronx, NY) filled the stat sheet with nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, anchoring the Lions defensively during key stretches.

Lincoln shot 48.9 percent from the field and 73.9 percent from the free-throw line, including 12-of-15 in the second half. After trailing 36-33 at halftime, the Lions tightened defensively and limited Shaw to 7-of-23 shooting in the final 20 minutes.

The contest featured seven ties and five lead changes, but Lincoln's execution down the stretch proved decisive. The Lions controlled the paint with a 30-20 scoring advantage inside and received 15 points from the bench.

Shaw was led by Avery Huggins (18 points) and Isaiah Buckley (17 points), but the Bears struggled to find rhythm offensively late as Lincoln closed the game with defensive stops and free-throw efficiency.

Lincoln will now turn its focus to the next round of the CIAA Tournament as the Lions continue their postseason run in Baltimore.