BALTIMORE, MD — Unfortunately, the old adage of “too bad someone had to lose” reared its ugly head Thursday night as Livingstone College’s Blue Bears edged the Lincoln University Lions 91-89, to reach the semi-finals in Friday’s CIAA Men’s Tournament at Royal Farms Arena.
A last-second 15-foot jump shot by junior Bernard Lightsey was the game-breaker of what had appeared just seconds earlier, some type of miraculous three-point-tying long-shot by Lincoln’s Zahrion Blue.
With the game tied at 89-all, Coach James Stinson in a post-game press conference, said he purposely did not call a timeout. “I didn’t want to give their coach (Corey Lowery)a chance to develop some type of defensive scheme,” said the veteran coach. Stinson called the Lincoln team “talented” and a force to be recokened with in the future. “They’re young and well-coached,” he added.
Lincoln’s head man, Corey Lowery, was visibly upset, after the close loss. Livingstone will now face top-seeded Fayetteville State University in Friday’s (Feb. 25) semi-final matchup at 6 p.m.
Kyrie Temple led Livingstone’s Blue Bears with 23 points, while Lincoln’s Reggie Hudson scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead his pesky Lions.
Photo by Timothy Cox
Several members of Royal Farms Arena security management staff, said the venue is set for major renovations, and may close after this year’s CIAA Tourney concludes. Next year’s hoop event could mark the grand-opening of the newly renovated venue, sources said. Word has it that NBA star Kevin Durant, a Maryland native, may be a silent investor in helping with renovation activities.
