Baltimore, MD – February 24, 2026 – The Lincoln University (PA) women's basketball team closed out its 2025-26 season Tuesday morning with a hard-fought 53-50 loss to Claflin University in the opening round of the CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament at CFG Bank Arena.

The Lions (2-25, 0-17 CIAA) led 27-13 at halftime after controlling the first two quarters defensively and converting efficiently on the offensive end. Lincoln held Claflin to just five points in the first quarter and limited the Panthers to 21 percent shooting in the opening half.

Alaila Walker (Kalamazoo, Mich./Central) paced Lincoln with 16 points, knocking down two three-pointers and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Serenity Burgess (Coatesville, PA) added 12 points and five rebounds, while Kaziah Akinniyi (Baltimore, Md./Poly) recorded 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Hunter Conway (Detroit, MI/Belleville HS) contributed seven points and eight boards in 40 minutes of action.

Lincoln shot 57 percent in the second quarter and carried momentum into the locker room with a 14-point advantage. However, Claflin responded in the third quarter, shooting 57 percent and outscoring the Lions 20-10 to shift the game's momentum.

The fourth quarter featured three lead changes as both teams battled down the stretch. Lincoln knocked down three three-pointers in the final period to stay within striking distance, but Claflin capitalized on interior scoring, finishing with 34 points in the paint.

The Lions forced 19 turnovers and matched Claflin with 19 points off turnovers, but were limited to just two second-chance points in the contest.

With the loss, Lincoln concludes the 2025-26 campaign, showing resilience and competitiveness down to the final possession in the CIAA Tournament.