LCU men's basketball wins season opener

[November 07, 2013]  The Lincoln Christian University men's basketball team opened their season on Monday evening by hosting Central Christian College of the Bible out of Moberly, Mo. It was a great home opener for LCU as they pulled away in the second half for an 81-73 win.

The first half started rough for LCU as they struggled to find the bottom of the net; however, their defense kept them in the game, and they limited Central Christian (0-2) to only 15 points within the first 11 minutes of play. In the last nine minutes of the first half, CCCB went on a run, scoring 26 points and taking a 41-33 lead into halftime.

LCU responded in the second half by slowly chipping away at the lead. By the 10-minute mark, LCU had recovered from the deficit and began taking control of the game, leaving Central Christian to play catch-up. LCU scored 48 points in the second half while limiting the visitors to 32 points. In this half, both the defense and offense came alive to carry LCU to a victory.

LCU senior forward David Graves (Eustace, Texas/Eustace High) led his team with 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting, while going 3 of 5 from the 3-point line. Sophomore forward Ray Shegog (Sun River Terrace/Lincoln College) followed up Graves by scoring 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including five rebounds. Freshman guard Jimmy Smylie (Springfield/Calvary Academy) chipped in 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting.

Central Christian was led by freshman guard Adam Rabke (Houston, Texas/home school), who scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 4 of 7 from the 3-point line. Forward Victor Dean (Houston/Eisenhower High School) chipped in 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, along with six rebounds.

LCU will return to action as they travel to Kirksville, Mo., on Saturday to take on NCAA II opponent Truman State University.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Christian University]

LCU men's basketball

Lincoln Christian University's School of Undergraduate Studies is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, Division II. Founded in Lincoln in 1944, Lincoln Christian's three schools -- the School of Undergraduate Studies, the Hargrove School of Adult & Graduate Studies, and the Seminary -- share a mission to nurture and equip Christians with a biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world. For more information about the Red Lions, visit LincolnChristian.edu/athletics.