Lincoln Land - 77

Harry S. Truman College - 56

Saturday afternoon the Loggers were paced by a game 20 points from sophomore D'Aaron Owens on their way to a 77-56 victory over Harry S. Truman College. 

Lincoln Land got a slow start by going 2 for their first 14 shots. Although, a bad stat, most of the misses were open looks so Lincoln Land felt comfortable in knowing those shots would eventually fall. That became the case as from that point on Lincoln Land shot an impressive 73% going 22 for their next 30. The Loggers poor shooting and 6 first half offensive rebounds by the Falcons of Truman College allowed Truman to have an early lead and allowed them to stay close early in the game. Lincoln Land eventually was able to take the lead and built up a 36-28 advantage at the half. 

The Loggers never really completely pulled away from Truman until late in the game, however, they slowly were able to build on their advantage through out the afternoon. Lincoln Land never really found their stroke from three as they ended the game shooting 4/19. Lincoln Land built up their lead by forcing 16 turnovers, 7 of which were Logger steals. Back to back steals by Owens allowed Lincoln Land to really gain control with a 20 point lead close to half way through the second half. Adding to that, Lincoln Land out-rebounded Truman 37-24 and did not allow a second half offensive rebound. Their one defensive flaw was a few break downs in transition that gave Truman some easy baskets through out the half. Other than these breakdowns, the Loggers half court defense was able to produce an effective effort holding Truman to only 28 points in each half. 

"We had stretches tonight where we looked really good and even then I felt like our offense could improve, which is encouraging. I was disappointed in some of the hustle plays that we allowed Truman to make over us, but most of the things we went in at half and said we needed to clean up in the second half, we did." Head Coach Chad Jones stated after the win. 

Lincoln Land saw only six Loggers score, but four Loggers made it to double digits. Besides Owens, sophomore Jerrid Cosby and freshman Nic Hagel each had 15. Freshman Jake Pennell had an impressive night getting 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Freshman DJ Doolan pulled in a team high 7 boards. 

Lincoln Land is now 9-7 on the year. Their next game is a home game Thursday against MacMurray College JV and then will begin conference play next weekend against Illinois Central College.