By Amani Grant-Pate
JEFFERSON CITY – The Lincoln University men’s basketball team rallied back to beat Fort Hays State in an overtime 74-71 thriller on Saturday evening in Jason Gym. This was a big conference win for Lincoln with four games remaining on their regular season schedule.
LU improved their overall record to 10-4 and 7-8 in the MIAA. Lincoln was down for most of the contest. LU trailed Fort Hays State 33-26 in the first half. The momentum started to shift in the second half as LU went on a huge run, managing to overcome an 11-point deficit. Lincoln received production from multiple players, with four going into double-digits.
Jonell Burton made a huge impact for Lincoln. Burton showcased his all-around game throughout the contest. The senior guard led LU with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. In the second half Burton ignited the Blue Tiger Nation with a monster dunk. Another key play for Burton was when he delivered by hitting a clutch jumper with 28 seconds left in the second half before Fort Hays quickly responded after the bucket to force overtime. Burton currently leads LU in scoring with 15.1 points per game.
Marcel Burton contributed in a major way with big-time shots. Burton was the second top scorer with 16 points and grabbed a career high eight rebounds. He hit a three in the second half for LU’s first lead of the game. The sharpshooter senior guard regained his rhythm by scoring nine points in the second period. Burton also sealed the game in overtime with two free throws down the stretch for LU’s final score.
L’Kielynn Taylor was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Taylor had a season high 13 points in the win to go along with six rebounds. The senior forward came alive as he scored nine points in the second half. Taylor is currently third in the MIAA with eight rebounds per game.
Cameron Potts had big moments in the contest, chipping in 12 points. The junior guard stepped up for his team with two lay-ups in the beginning of overtime. Potts is the second leading scorer for Lincoln this season with 11.4 points per game.
The next game for Lincoln will be on the road against Central Missouri in Warrensburg at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Multipurpose Building.
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