Lubbock, TX - After falling to the D2CCA Tip Off Classic hosting Lubbock Christian University Chaps on Friday night, the Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team bounced back with a win over the University of Illinois-Springfield, 92-80. Much like in their season opener, the Railsplitters faced a flurry of three pointers in the first half. However, with some hard-nosed defense and complete control of the interior in the second half, Lincoln Memorial proved to be too much for the Prairie Stars.
IUS shot a blistering 55% from the field, and 57% from long range in the first half, but still only managed a three point lead at the half. Lincoln Memorial shot well as well, connecting on a 52% clip in the first half from the floor, and 47% mark from beyond the arc. The Railsplitters also shot 85% from the charity stripe in the first half, connecting on 6-of-7 attempts.
Trailing 44-41 at the break, Lincoln Memorial came out fast in the second half, going on a 10-2 run to regain the lead. IUS responded with an 8-0 run of its own to knot the game at 58-58. From there, the game belonged to Lincoln Memorial. With the score resting at 63-60, the Railsplitters went on an 18-8 run to take a commanding 81-68 lead. Thanks to some great rebounding and clutch free throws down the stretch, Lincoln Memorial went on to secure a 92-80 victory in its first win of the season.
Chase Rankin led all scorers with 25 points and nearly posted a double-double with nine rebounds. He connected on 50% of his shots for the game, going 8-14 from the floor, including a 4-8 mark from long range. He was 5-of-6 from the stripe.
Me'Kell Burries came off the bench early in the game and erupted for 20 points.
Jay Boyd added his second consecutive game in double figures with 15 points.
Jordan Walters added 11 points.
Martez Brown controlled the glass, posting his second consecutive game with double digit rebounds, posting a stat line of eight points and 11 rebounds.
Matthew Sells added six points,
Osmar Garcia-Araujo added four points, and
Thomas Allard added three points to round out scoring for the Railsplitters.
Lincoln Memorial dominated the glass with 35 rebounds to the Prairie Stars' 26. Points in the paint also favored the Railsplitters 44-32. Lincoln Memorail limited itself to just eight turnovers while recording 19 assists.
The Railsplitters will be back in action in their home opener on Friday Nov. 10 against No.8 UNC-Pembroke. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM in Harrogate.
