Lincoln Land - 76
St. Louis Community College - 61


Lincoln Land has spent much of the early season on the road, but the Loggers returned home today and came away victorious over the Archers of St. Louis Community College, 76-61.
 
Lincoln Land has now won their last 4 games (7-3) and they have done so by playing sound team basketball. The game was back and forth for much of the first half. Lincoln Land was able to push their lead out to 9, but the Archers made a short run and a three at the buzzer cut the lead to only 2 points. The Loggers went in to half holding a 34-32 edge.
 
In the first 6 minutes of the second half the game remained back and forth. During the stretch the lead was exchanged 6 times and also had two ties. The Loggers had a great possession, with just over 14:00 on the clock, that featured an offensive rebound and with the shot clock running down sophomore Derek Smith knocked down a three point shot off a pass from the block to take the lead for the remainder of the game. Lincoln Land slowly pushed their lead out and consistently scored down the stretch to put the Archers away. The Loggers lead by as many as 19 on their way to a 76-61 victory.
 
"We have a few kids from St. Louis who wanted to beat their hometown team and so this game meant a lot for them. This was a totally team win. We broke their press by passing and were able to attack the basket and our guys were unselfish sharing the ball for easy lay-ups. This was one of the best games we have played this season. I was proud of our effort, our defense, and our team first mentality. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come," Coach Chad Jones stated after the game.
 
Lincoln Land was led by freshman Eddie Longmeyer who led all scorers with 22. He also pulled down a team high 8 rebounds. Sophomore Justin Thomas had his best game of the year adding in 15 points. Sophomore Derek Smith also put in 9 points. Michael Cameron took in 4 steals and dished out a team high 5 assists. Lincoln Land did commit 14 turnovers, but got open shots and lay-ups while shooting 61% from inside the three point line.


Lincoln Land improves to 7-3 on the year and will continue play at home Wednesday again against NJCAA division 1 Southeastern Illinois.