Harrogate, TN — The Lincoln Memorial University men's basketball team is set to host one of its most significant challenges of the season as the fifth ranked Anderson University Trojans visit B. Frank Tex Turner Arena this Valentine's Day. Tip off for this high stakes South Atlantic Conference showdown is scheduled as the Railsplitters look to defend their home court against a dominant Anderson squad that currently sits atop the league standings.
The visiting Trojans enter the contest with an impressive 22-1 overall record and a 16-1 mark in conference play, establishing themselves as a premier force in the national rankings. Lincoln Memorial enters the afternoon with a 14-9 seasonal record and a 10-7 standing in the South Atlantic Conference. Despite the gap in the standings, the Railsplitters have proven they can compete with the elite, relying on a balanced offensive attack and physical presence in the paint to keep games within reach.
Leading the charge for Lincoln Memorial is Nate Mims, who has started 19 games and averages a team high 11.6 points per contest. Mims has been a consistent perimeter threat, shooting over 46 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three point range. He is complemented in the frontcourt by Walter Campbell, who provides significant muscle near the rim. Campbell averages 10.7 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with over six boards per appearance while shooting a highly efficient 56.6 percent from the floor.
The Railsplitters also benefit from the scoring versatility of Jayden Spearman, who is the third player on the roster averaging double figures at 10 points per game. Spearman has been a workhorse for the Railsplitters, leading the team in total minutes played while contributing 3.5 rebounds per game. In the backcourt, EJ Smith has been a steady facilitator and scoring option, averaging nine points a game..
The depth of the Lincoln Memorial roster will be tested by the Trojans' high tempo style. Players like Armon Jarrard and Drew Lewis, both averaging nearly eight points per game, will be essential in providing scoring sparks off the bench or in secondary rotations. Additionally, the interior defense for the Railsplitters will be critical in slowing down an Anderson offense that has lost only once all year.
Tip-off is slated for 4 PM Saturday.
Watch: Railsplitters v. Trojans
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