Lubbock, TX - The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team traveled to Lubbock, TX on Friday for the D2CCA Tip Off Classic to start the season. The Railsplitters played the hosting Lubbock Christian Chaps. LCU got off to a hot start from beyond the arc, which would end up being the tale of the game. The Chaps shot 50% from the field throughout the game, including connecting on nine three pointers in the first half, and 15 total for the game.

The Lincoln Memorial offense had trouble finding rhythm early on from inside the arc. From deep, the Railsplitters connected on 3-of-7 attempts, but managed a mark of only 10-of-24 from the interior. The Chaps had 10 more shot attempts in the first and connected on seven more baskets, allowing them to take a 44-29 lead into the half. As play resumed in the second, it was more of the same for the hosting LCU, as they continued the flurry of three pointers from beyond the perimeter. Connecting on 6-of-13 attempts, LCU maintained its efficiency from beyond the arc. This was also partly due to the fact that the Railsplitters dominated the interior, outscoring the Chaps 40-28 for the game in the paint, and out rebounding them 39-31.

However, despite a late game push by Lincoln Memorial, home standing Lubbock Christian's success shooting throughout the game allowed them to hold on for an 89-71 victory.

Martez Brown dominated the interior, collecting his first double-double of the season with a 13 point, 12 rebound effort. Freshman Jay Boyd led the Railsplitters in scoring with 14 points. Chase Rankin added 11 points and seven boards. Me'Kell Burries, Thomas Allard, and Luke Bartemes added seven points apiece, with Bartemes adding three assists and two blocks. Matthew Sells, Jordan Walters, and Osmar Garcia-Araujo added four points each to round out scoring for Lincoln Memorial.

The Railsplitters will be back in action on Sunday against the University of Illinois-Springfield. Tip-off is slated for 8:30 PM.