EMORY, Va. – The No. 7 nationally-ranked Lincoln Memorial University Men's Basketball Team (19-3, 17-2 SAC) defeated Emory & Henry University (5-19, 3-17 SAC) in South Atlantic Conference play Wednesday night to keep itself atop the SAC standings. The Railsplitters scored 49 in the first half and 53 more in the second on their way to the 102-84 victory.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – No. 7 Lincoln Memorial 102, Emory & Henry 84
LOCATION – Emory, Virginia
VENUE – Bob Johnson Court at the John Rutledge King Center
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (5-19, 3-17 SAC); Lincoln Memorial (19-3, 17-2 SAC)
How It Happened
- LMU began the game on the front foot as they ran out to an early 8-2 advantage, forcing an Emory & Henry timeout. The Wasps kicked into gear out of the stoppage in play and managed to draw back level at 10-10 with 14:37 on the clock. The home team took a brief 15-13 lead, but the Railsplitters went on a quick 13-2 run over the next three and a half minutes to push their margin out to nine at 26-17. The Wasps hung tough, and a made three from senior Jalen Leftwich (Lynchburg, Va.) pulled them within five at 37-32 at the 3:52 mark. The Railsplitters momentarily increased their lead back out to double digits, but a layup from redshirt sophomore Christian Drummer (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and three free throws by senior guard/forward Gabe Brown (Clintwood, Va.) kept E&H within shouting distance at 49-41 heading into the half.
- The visitors ripped off a 10-2 run over the first three minutes and change to start the second half to balloon the margin out to 59-43, but a four-point play from freshman guard Sam Ritchie (Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) and a layup by Brown reduced the deficit back to 10 with 15:49 remaining. The teams went back-and-forth through the middle of the half and LMU held a 73-60 advantage at the 10:50 mark. Another run from the Railsplitters, this one of the 13-2 variety, gave them a commanding 86-64 lead that they would not relinquish as they earned the SAC road win by the 102-84 final tally.
Emory & Henry Individual Leaders
- Brown led the E&H offense with 22 points, eight rebounds, one steal and an assist. Freshman guard Korbin Dixon (Milton, Ontario, CANADA) posted 17 points, four rebounds and an assist while Leftwich added 14 points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal off of the bench.
- Junior forward Assad Madassalia (Brooklyn, N.Y.) finished with six points, four steals, three rebounds and an assist. Ritchie went for seven points, one rebound and a steal.
Lincoln Memorial Individual Leaders
- Wes Enis poured in a game-high 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals while Osmar Garcia-Araujo recorded 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
- Thomas Allard had 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and a steal. Elyjah Freeman registered 13 points, four rebounds, two blocks, one assist and a steal in the win.
A Deeper Look
- LMU finished shooting 64.9% (37-for-57) overall and 7-for-15 (46.7%) from deep. E&H went 29-for-61 (47.5%) from the floor and 32% (8-for-25) from long distance.
- The Railsplitters forced 15 turnovers that they converted into 21 points. The Wasps forced 10 LMU miscues for eight total points.
- Lincoln Memorial scored 58 points in the painted area compared to 40 for the home team.
- LMU held a massive advantage on attempts at the charity stripe, but only converted 63.6% (21-for-33). Emory & Henry was perfect at the line as the Wasps were good on all 18 of their shots.
Up Next
- The Wasps are back at home on Saturday, February 15 when they host the Catawba College Catawba Indians for Senior Day. Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. from the John Rutledge King Center.
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