Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sports News

Lynx defense can't solve Rend Lake in 100-79 loss

By Justin Tierney

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[February 28, 2013]  There was no mystery what the problem was for the Lincoln College men's basketball team in Wednesday night's loss to Rend Lake Community College.

Put simply, defense.

The Lynx allowed the opposing Warriors to reach triple digits, losing 100-79 in their final home game of the season at Jack Nutt Arena.

No matter what defense LC attempted, Rend Lake had an answer.

When the Lynx came out in a 2-3 zone defense in the first half, the Warriors showcased their shooting touch, draining 9 of 18 first-half 3-pointers en route to a 55-36 halftime lead.

When LC coach Pat Lepper switched to man-to-man at intermission, Rend Lake had an answer for that as well. The Warriors attacked the basket and made the Lynx pay at the free-throw line, sinking 16 of 21 second-half attempts.

Lepper felt that the defensive issues were more related to desire than strategy.

"We played that zone in the first half and gave up 55 points. We probably stayed in the zone too long," said Lepper. "But then we played man-to-man in the second half and gave up 45 points. So we gave up 10 less points, but we lose by 21. You just can't give up 55 or 45 points a half.

"We have some guys who aren't really cherishing that end of the floor. We've got some guys who need to buy in on defense right now."

For a few minutes in the second half, it looked as though the Lynx might stage a shocking comeback. After trailing 68-43, LC got as close as 79-71 with just under seven minutes to play on a four-point play by sophomore guard Desmond Rush.

But, the run ended there. The Warriors closed the game on a 21-8 run.

Lepper credited his team's second-half push to a sustained effort on the defensive end.

"We got some stops and were able to go into transition," said Lepper. "One guy, Chris Davis, really competed on the interior for us defensively. That's what we need: more guys competing defensively. That will start our transition offense. Right now, we've got a poor mental defensive attitude. We've got to get over that hump."

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The loss spoiled Sophomore Night festivities. Lynx sophomores Rush, Sam James and Julio Velandia Saurez were each honored before the game.

"Desi Rush has done a great job. He played a lot of minutes for us tonight and has really stepped up for us in the point guard position," said Lepper. "Sam James has been a guy who has given us toughness all year, in practice and games. He's started several games this year. And Julio was able to get in for a few minutes tonight and help us out.

"I know it's been hard for those guys, with a coaching change. But they've been really solid for us this year. And I appreciate their efforts."

JoVaughn Gaines led the Lynx with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Andrew Jordan, Marzhon Bryant and Chris Davis each added 12 points. Aaron Simpson also finished in double figures for LC with 10 points.

It was the third consecutive loss for the Lynx, who finish their regular season on Saturday at Parkland Community College in Champaign.

Despite their recent struggles, Lepper believes his team is capable of making a run in the Region 24 tournament.

"I have a lot of faith in these guys still. Rend Lake is a really good team who won the GRAC, which is an NJCAA Division I league," said Lepper. "They have a ton of talent and they're well-coached.

"I really believe in our guys. I think we can get this turned around. We just need to refine some things. Look deep inside and find some defensive toughness. And then we can really go out and get another shot at the region tournament in the next two weeks."

[By JUSTIN TIERNEY]

Lincoln College men's basketball

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