The Lincoln Land Loggers hosted Columbus State College Cougars in the second game of the Logger Classic at Cass Gymnasium. Lincoln Land raced out to an early lead of 22-17 with 11:00 minutes left in the first half. The Cougars made a run to close the half to take a 33-29 lead after the Loggers fouled a three point shooter as the halftime buzzer went off.
Columbus State made a run and pushed their lead out to 9 points early in the second half. From then on the Loggers were able to control tempo and the game. Lincoln Land used a slow tempo to grind the game and got open lay-ups and jump shots down the stretch. Lincoln Land pushed the lead out to 67-56 and held the largest lead of the game at 11 points. The Loggers made some mistakes down the stretch, but were able to knock down free throws down the stretch. The Loggers missed four free throws in the last 3:00 minutes, but were able to secure the rebound on every miss. Lincoln Land held on for a 72-63 victory.
"This is a big win. Columbus State is a very talented basketball team and we did everything we needed to win. Hopefully we carry this momentum over to tomorrow," Coach Chad Jones stated after the win. Sophomore Reed Willenborg led the Loggers in scoring and was easily the difference maker. Willenborg put in a career high 23 points while also securing 7 rebounds. After the game Coach Jones reflected on the sophomore's play, "Reed made some plays that won't show up in the box score, but he was a large reason why we won."
Sophomore Garrett Williams knocked down 5 for 6 from the three point line to add in 17 points. Sophomore Marcus Graham finished the night with 15 points.
Tonight was a great team win that helped the Loggers to improve to 8-6 on the season. Lincoln Land won all big categories. They out rebounded the Cougars 40-25, dished out 19 assists, and outshot the Cougars from the floor; three point line, and free throw line.
In the first game of the classic Lincoln College defeated St. Louis Community College 87-81.
Tomorrow will feature Lincoln College vs. Columbus State in the game at 1:00 pm. The host Lincoln Land Community College will take on St. Louis Community College at 3:00.
