Pittsburgh, PA – IUP Crimson Hawks Narrowly Defeat Lincoln Lions
The IUP Crimson Hawks celebrated a hard-fought victory against the Lincoln Lions on Wednesday, December 2, 2024, finishing the game with a close score of 61-57. This matchup took place at the Kovalchick Complex, where fans witnessed a thrilling contest driven by standout performances from both teams.
Stars of the Game
Christian Moore, a transfer from the University of New Hampshire, was a standout player for IUP, leading the team with 23 points, alongside four rebounds and two steals. His consistent scoring was crucial in securing the win against a determined Lincoln squad.
Another vital contributor for the Crimson Hawks was freshman Kymani Merraro, who added 12 points and distributed five assists. Merraro’s ability to set up plays and score in key moments helped maintain IUP’s momentum.
On the defensive end, redshirt junior Damir Brooks showed his prowess by collecting 12 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal, in addition to scoring 10 points. Brooks’ strong defense was pivotal in limiting Lincoln’s scoring chances.
Support also came from freshman Tyler Grove and sophomore Sarp Furtun, each contributing eight points. Together, they brought in a combined total of 13 rebounds and two blocks. The bench also played a significant role, with Luke Triggs scoring four points and securing six rebounds during his time on the court.
USC Beaufort’s Impressive Season
In other news from the collegiate basketball scene, the USC Beaufort (USCB) Sand Sharks have had an impressive 7-1 start to their season. They recently recovered from their first loss by defeating Slippery Rock 70-64 on Saturday, December 6, 2024. This game marked their continuation of competitive play within the PSAC West conference. USCB had previously made headlines by scoring over 100 points in four of their games this season, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Following a substantial victory against Voorhees College, where they dominated with a score of 109-81, the Sand Sharks recorded their only loss against Savannah State, where they fell 69-80.
Key Players for USCB
The standout player for USCB this season has been senior guard Kenney Gaines, who has scored 105 points while shooting a consistent .557 from the field. Additionally, junior guard Kevaughn Price has made significant contributions, averaging 12.6 points per game and starting all games this season.
IUP’s strengths continue to shine through their key players as well. Christian Moore leads the team with 122 points, and promising freshman Tyler Grove follows closely with a total of 80 points.
Looking Ahead
The IUP men’s basketball program has achieved remarkable success in recent years, with a remarkable winning record since the 2018-19 season. They have become a competitive force in Division II basketball, under the guidance of their head coach Joe Lombardi, who is the all-time leader in wins for the program.
As both IUP and USCB continue their seasons, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming games that will further influence the standings in the PSAC and showcase the talents of these impressive college athletes.
