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Derrick Washington drives past a Johnson C. Smith defender in Lincoln’s 75-68. (Lincoln photo)
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — Kenny Sharpe paced three players in double figures
as the Lincoln University men’s basketball team knocked off Johnson C. Smith, 75-68,
in the CIAA opener on Thursday night at Manuel Rivero Gymnasium
“This was a good confidence builder for our team,” Lincoln coach John Hill said. “Last
year they came into our place and shot lights out. For us to step up and play hard and
make some shots was outstanding. We have had a great start to the year and now with
conference play, we get to see what we are made of. We are looking forward
to the challenge.”
Sharpe finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. George
Jackson who sank three second-half 3-pointers, added 22 points, including going
6-of-6 from the foul line. Will Cole added 10 points and pulled down eight boards
as the Lions (8-2 overall, 1-0 CIAA) shot 40 percent and held on to the top spot
the CIAA’s Northern Division.
Johnson C. Smith (7-4, 0-1) led 21-18 after a Terrance Washington free throw with
7:13 remaining in the first half, but Lincoln controlled the final seven minutes by using a
16-9 run to take a 34-30 advantage into the break.
The Golden Bulls kept the game close and took a 40-37 lead after a Terrance Washington
jumper with 14:41 left. The Lions answered as neither team grabbed an advantage larger
than to points during the next seven minutes.
Jackson’s 3-pointer with 6:26 remaining gave Lincoln a 59-55 lead and sparked a 12-3 run,
giving the Lions a commanding 68-58 advantage with 2:16 left.
Johnson C. Smith refused to go quietly and trimmed the deficit to 69-64 after a Robert
Williams layup with 1:16 left, but Lincoln got key free throws down the stretch by Jackson
to get the win.
Trevin Parks led the Golden Bulls with 23 points, including going 11-of-11 from the
free-throw line. Emilio Parks chipped in with 19 points, while Williams and Terrance
Washington each had nine points. Johnson C. Smith was 23-of-48 from the
floor for 38 percent.
The Lions continue CIAA action 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5 against Winston-Salem State
University at Manuel Rivero Gymnasium in the CIAA Game of the Week. .
