Wisconsin Dells, WI -- The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team opened its season on the road at the Midwest Tip-Off Classic on Friday, Oct. 30, falling 75-63 to West Texas A&M at the Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Lincoln Memorial fought to stay within striking distance early, but West Texas A&M built momentum through strong paint play to hand the Railsplitters an opening-game defeat.
Lincoln Memorial established an early rhythm in the first half, getting on the board first through an offensive tip-in and a pair of converted free throws, followed quickly by a transition three-pointer off an assist. Another three-pointer helped keep the offense moving, while defensive stops led to additional transition layups. The Railsplitters knocked down another shot from beyond the arc, provided energy inside with key layups, and sank consecutive free throws alongside interior field goals. Despite the early offensive execution, Lincoln Memorial went into the locker room trailing 38-31 at the break.
Lincoln Memorial continued to battle in the second half, attempting to erase the deficit. The Railsplitters repeatedly attacked the paint in transition for layups while working hard inside for second-chance putbacks and driving baskets. Additional three-pointers helped spark the perimeter offense, while active board work delivered putback tip-ins. Driving layups maintained offensive pressure alongside timely scoring near the rim down the stretch. Lincoln Memorial closed out its scoring by converting a pair of free throws in the final minute, but West Texas A&M held firm to secure the 75-63 victory.
