Sunday, February 7, 2016

The Lincoln Lions Lose To The Bulldogs of Bowie In A CIAA Northern Divsion Clash

Joshua Davis
COURTESY: THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania --  The Lions lost a close one to Bowie State this evening. The game was decided in the last few moments which seem to be the norm when these two teams get together. The men got off to a great start just as the women did earlier. They led early in the first half by as much as 11. The Bulldogs seemed to be off their mark and not in sync. The Lions capitalized with their speed and kept the lead until the latter part of the half. The Bulldogs worked their way back into the game with some great defense which forced the Lions to press and miss some point blank layups. Second chance points in the first half were non-existent as each team attacked the boards. As was the case in their last encounter, speed was a major factor in who was able to get a shot off and who was going to come down with a rebound. The first half ended with Bowie taking the lead with the score 32-29.
The second half was the same story as the first except in reverse. The Bulldogs took charge early and looked to put the Lions away. They were getting to the boards on both ends and getting second chance points that didn't exist in the first half. The Lions on the other hand couldn't seem to get a flow. Points were scored when individuals were able to get inside and use their speed while taking a hit. This was the case for most of the 19 points scored by Quaman Burton (Richmond, VA/John Marshall HS) and 16 points by Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College). Each of them often saw the ball going through the basket as they were falling to the floor. They and their fellow Lions didn't give up in spite of falling behind 8 points late in the game. The Lions comeback was triggered by Quaman Burton (Richmond, VA/John Marshall HS)'s 3 pointer at 7:18 left in the game. Freshmen Malachi Seney (Philadephia, PA/Harford Community College) hit another one on the next play completing the Lions comeback and signaling the start of a new game.
For the next couple of minutes each team made statement shots. Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College) twice slammed dunks to quiet the locals and give the visiting Lion's Den reason to shout. His forays into paint were equaled by Andre Jackson who scored 21 for the Bulldogs. He was joined in double figures by Ahmaad Wilson who put up 20 points. As the game drew to its final minute the Bulldogs clung to a 3-point lead. Joshua Davis (Saginaw, MI/Louisburg Junior College) had the chance to tie the score in the final minute with an extra point after he was fouled on one of those plays that allowed him to view his basket from the floor up. His missed free throw led to a Bulldog basket which gave them a three point led with 26 seconds left in the game. The Lions intentionally fouled in an attempt to at least get the game in regulation, however the Bulldogs hit their free throws and the three point shots weren't there for the Lions. The final score was 68-73. The teams split the regular season with a win for each at home. The loss takes the team record to 8-15 on the season and 6-6 in CIAA play. The next game for the Lions is February 10, at Manuel Rivero Hall. Tipoff is 7:30 pm.
Darryl Pope Ed.D.
COURTESY THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

No comments: