Harrogate, TN - You couldn't ask for a much better start to a basketball season than what the Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team had against Shorter at home to open the season Saturday afternoon. The Railsplitters jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, cruising to an impressive 107-69 victory. Many fresh faces impressed in their Lincoln Memorial debuts and some familiar faces played exactly as expected.
Defending SAC Freshman of the Year Wes Enis led all scorers with 22 points, 19 of which he had in the first half alone. He also added four rebounds. Thomas Allard seemingly couldn't miss from beyond the arc, connecting on five three pointers, tallying 17 points. Jordan Walters added 16 points and seven assists. He was all over the floor throughout the games tallying blocks, rebounds, three pointers, and contested buckets at the rim. EJ Smith looked good in his Lincoln Memorial debut, tallying 12 points on an efficient 5-of-9 shooting. Elyjah Freeman and Car Thiam each chipped in eight points in their Railsplitter debuts. Freeman also threw down an emphatic dunk late in the game. Jay Boyd added eight points as well. Ngundeng Ruey showcased his athleticism in his Lincoln Memorial debut, adding six points and five rebounds while added a pair of blocks. Mo Bangura and Gavin Aydelotte each chipped in four points, and Connor Jordan added two points to round out scoring for the Railsplitters.
The Railsplitters were electric in the first half of offense, shooting 67% from the floor with a 56% mark from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 three point baskets in the first half alone. Lincoln Memorial connected on 59% of its shots throughout the game, 40% from long range, and an impressive 94.4% from the charity stripe.
With the victory, Lincoln Memorial improved to 1-0 on the season. Next up for the Railsplitters: Claflin University at home on Wednesday with tip-off slated for 7:00 PM.
