UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Lincoln University used a 13-2 run early in the second half to take a 13-point lead and went on to take a 59-47 victory over Benedict College in the opening round of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Tigers will face Winston-Salem State in the consolation game of the tournament on Friday at 11 a.m. Winston-Salem State fell to Kentucky State in the other Division II game on Thursday.
Benedict, now 2-8 on the season, opened the game strong, scoring the first eight points of the game and building an 11-point lead, 19-8, with 8:54 left in the first half. The Lions chipped away at the lead, and cut Benedict’s lead to 24-22 at the break.
Lincoln, now 6-5 overall, took its first lead of the game, 28-26, with 17:49 left in the second half. A layup by Bretner Mutumbo cut the lead to 30-28 with 14:22 remaining. After two free throws by Jordan Butler made it 34-30, the Lions scored the next nine points to build a 43-30 lead, and built as much as a 19-point lead, 54-34, with 7:21 left in the game.
Mutumbo and Cadarius Baggett scored 11 points each to lead the Tigers. Benedict shot 32.7 percent from the field (16-of-49), and made just two of 15 3-point attempts (13.3 percent).
Friday’s game against Winston-Salem State will be available to watch on ESPN+ (subscription required).
