Anderson, SC -- The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team saw its postseason journey come to an end in a hard-fought battle during the first round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at Anderson University on Saturday. Entering the tournament as the seven seed, the Railsplitters pushed the two seeded Lander to the limit before ultimately falling 76-71. The appearance in the national tournament marks a significant achievement for the program, as Lincoln Memorial reached the field of sixty-four in the very first year under the leadership of head coach Tony Jasick.
The contest was a game of runs and physical play from the opening tip in South Carolina. Walter Campbell anchored the Railsplitters throughout the afternoon, putting together a massive double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds while shooting a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. Nate Mims provided critical support on the perimeter, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc to finish with 15 points and 7 rebounds. The first half saw both teams trade blows, with EJ Smith and Drew Lewis finding their rhythm early to keep the Railsplitters within striking distance. A late free throw sequence by Lander sent the game into the break with Lander holding a narrow 39-38 advantage.
In the second half, the intensity increased as the Railsplitters looked to pull off the upset. Lewis was a spark plug off the bench, contributing 15 points on nearly 47 percent shooting while adding a block and a steal to the defensive effort. Jayden Spearman added a timely three pointer to the mix, while Armon Jarrard and Ashton Pennamon provided valuable minutes in the rotation. Despite the balanced scoring and a relentless effort on the glass that saw Lincoln Memorial keep pace with the higher seed, Lander utilized timely scoring in the closing minutes to secure the victory. Smith finished the day with 13 points and 5 assists, while Campbell continued to fight in the paint until the final whistle, pulling down 5 offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive.
While the loss concludes the current campaign, the season serves as a foundational success for the new era of Railsplitter basketball. Reaching the NCAA tournament in the first year of the Jasick tenure provides a clear signal that the program remains a perennial power in the Southeast Regional. With a core group of contributors gaining high-stakes postseason experience and a proven coaching staff at the helm, the future remains incredibly bright for Lincoln Memorial men's basketball as they look to build on this national tournament appearance.
