HICKORY, N.C. — Lincoln Memorial men's basketball was handed a 99–63 setback by 15th-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday, Jan. 24, at Shuford Gymnasium in a game that was previously scheduled for Saturday. The Railsplitters move to 11–7 overall and 7–5 in South Atlantic Conference play.
Lenoir-Rhyne established momentum early in the opening half, using balanced scoring and interior defense to build an advantage. Lincoln Memorial countered at the free-throw line, where Walter Campbell got the Railsplitters on the board, and Nate Mims added early defensive rebounds and rim protection to slow the Bears' pace.
Midway through the first half, LMU found a spark from the perimeter. Armon Jarrard led the surge, finishing with a team-high 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range, providing much-needed offense to keep the Railsplitters within striking distance. Walter Campbell was a steady presence throughout the game, matching Jarrard with 15 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 performance at the free-throw line, while also pulling down five rebounds, four of them offensive.
Despite that push, Lenoir-Rhyne closed the half strong to take a 45–35 lead into the break, capitalizing on second-chance points and timely perimeter shooting.
The Bears carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a decisive run to extend the margin past 20. Lincoln Memorial continued to compete, particularly at the foul line, where Drew Lewis was effective, scoring 12 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the stripe. Lewis also added a steal and battled defensively against the Bears' pressure.
Around the basket, Grace Aluma contributed physical play and effort on the glass, finishing with five rebounds, while Nate Mims chipped in four points, four rebounds, and two blocks. EJ Smith facilitated the offense, recording seven assists, and Ashton Pennamon added four points, three rebounds, and three assists, while also generating steals on the defensive end.
Lincoln Memorial's bench provided brief energy, including Amhad Jarrard, who scored six points in limited action, and Emmanuel James, who was efficient in his minutes with two points on a perfect shooting night.
Despite continued effort and stretches of defensive activity, Lenoir-Rhyne maintained control throughout the second half, mixing inside scoring with perimeter shooting and free throws to build the lead.
Lincoln Memorial will look to respond as conference play continues, carrying an 11–7 overall record and a 7–5 mark in SAC action into its next contest; a road match up with Emory & Henry, currently scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
