Lincoln (Pa.) Advances to Quarterfinal Round of CIAA Tournament after 50-46 Win over Johnson C. Smith

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Lincoln University (Pa.) Lady Lions used a stingy defense and overcame a late run to defeat Johnson C. Smith 50-46 in the first round of the CIAA Tournament on Tuesday night at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Lincoln's defense forced Johnson C. Smith to 25.9 percent shooting on 14-of-54 from the floor. The Lady Lions also forced the Lady Golden Bulls to miss all 11 of their three-point attempts. Lincoln didn't shoot the ball much better, going 16-of-48 from the field for a 33.3 percent rate.

The victory marks the first time in history that the Lady Lions have won a first round game in the CIAA Tournament. In its previous two seasons as a member of the CIAA, Lincoln has lost in the first round.




The win also improves Lincoln, the fourth seed from the Northern Division, to 10-17 overall. The loss ends the season for Johnson C. Smith, the fifth seed from the Southern Division, at 8-18 overall.

"I'm very proud of the way the girls stepped up tonight," Lincoln head coach Jessica Kern said.

 

"We've been very inconsistent in the energy category. Our energy has been very high and very low this season. We've written a lot of history for us at Lincoln this year, but not leaving after the first day means a whole lot to our school and this program."

 

The win sets Lincoln up a quarterfinal match-up with Fayetteville State, the number 1 seed from the Southern Division. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. tipoff on Wednesday.

  

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