Harrogate, TN -- Four days after tallying its first conference victory of the season against Mars Hill, the Lincoln Memorial University men's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Tex Turner Arena for a key conference matchup as the Railsplitters host Wingate University in South Atlantic Conference play.

Lincoln Memorial enters the contest with a 4-4 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference play, looking to gain momentum against a strong league opponent. Wingate comes to Harrogate at 5-2 overall and 1-1 in SAC action, setting the stage for an important early-season conference battle.

The Railsplitters have showcased one of the most balanced and productive offenses in the region, averaging 86.3 points per game through eight contests while shooting an efficient 47.3 percent from the field as a team. Lincoln Memorial has also been effective from long range, knocking down 64 three-pointers this season, and has controlled the glass with 36.4 rebounds per game.

The LMU attack is led by EJ Smith, who paces the team with 12.0 points per game, shooting 48.1 percent from the floor. Yassin Hussein has been a dominant presence inside, averaging 10.8 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 59.6 percent from the field.

Perimeter scoring has been a strength for the Railsplitters, with Drew Lewis contributing 10.0 points per game and connecting on 38.5 percent of his three-point attempts. Jayden Spearman has also been a key weapon from deep, draining 20 three-pointers on the season while averaging 10.0 points per contest.

Depth has been a hallmark of this year's LMU squad, as five players are averaging double figures and nine players are scoring at least five points per game. Nate Mims (9.9 ppg) and Armon Jarrard (8.8 ppg) provide additional scoring punch, while Walter Campbell adds 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, giving the Railsplitters versatility at both ends of the floor.

Defensively, Lincoln Memorial has been active and disruptive, totaling 108 steals and 31 blocks on the season, while forcing opponents into tough possessions with balanced team pressure.

Tip-off at Tex Turner Arena promises an exciting conference showdown as the Railsplitters look to defend their home court and improve their standing in the South Atlantic Conference.

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