 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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