LMU Athletics
HARROGATE, Tenn. – The Lincoln Memorial University men’s basketball program continued their home dominance as the Railsplitters moved to 9-1 on the year and 6-1 in SAC competition after a dominating 97-63 win over UVA Wise on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (1-10, 0-8 SAC) connected on shots early, outshooting LMU in the first half 46.7 percent to 42.5 percent, but it was not enough as the Railsplitters were able to shoot 55.9 percent in the second half in order to secure the 34-point victory. Lincoln Memorial owned the glass as they brought down 46 total rebounds compared to just 31 by the Cavaliers.
Graduate student Alex Dahling and junior Jordan Guest connected early to give the Splitters a 11-6 lead at the 16:05 mark. Lincoln Memorial pushed their lead to seven before a run by UVA Wise clawed their way back to within two. The Railsplitters were able to keep the separation needed as they took a 43-35 lead into the half.
Coming out of the break, Lincoln Memorial was able to connect early on a three from freshman Matthew Sells to push the Blue and Gray lead to double-digits. Using a 10-3 run, the Railsplitters took a 15-point lead after a three-pointer from Rankin. The Splitter defense locked down forcing the Cavaliers to commit costly turnovers, allowing LMU to further increase their lead. Closing out the contest with ack-to-back baskets, the Railsplitters secured the 97-63 win over UVA Wise on Wednesday evening.
Rankin led the Railsplitters as he finished the evening with 21 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. The double-double of 21 points and 11 assists marks the redshirt sophomore’s third of the season. Junior Martez Brown got in on the action has he finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, marking his second double-double as a Railsplitter.
The Railsplitters will close out the calendar year on the road in Charlotte, North Carolina as LMU will square off against No. 21 Queens in South Atlantic Conference action on Saturday, December 18 with a 4 p.m. EST tip-off.