LINCOLN FALLS ON LAST-SECOND SHOT IN 62–60 HEARTBREAKER TO QUEENS (NY)

RIVERDALE, N.Y. — Lincoln University battled for 40 minutes, traded punches possession after possession, and held leads deep into the second half—but a buzzer-beating finish spoiled the Lions’ comeback bid as Queens (NY) escaped with a 62–60 win Saturday at the Harlem Renaissance Classic inside Manhattan University’s Draddy Gymnasium.

Lincoln (1–2) matched the Knights blow-for-blow from the opening tip. Both teams went into the half deadlocked at 29–29, with the Lions’ high-efficiency interior scoring keeping pace despite Queens’ early perimeter burst.

The Lions gained traction in the second half behind the dominant play of Julius Olanrewaju, who delivered one of the best performances of the weekend. The senior scored at all three levels, poured in critical jumpers, and carried the Lions offensively during a series of lead changes.

Lincoln took multiple small leads behind strong defensive stretches and second-chance opportunities. BJ Johnson Jr. orchestrated the offense beautifully with seven assists, while the Lions won the rebounding battle 41–27, including 14 offensive boards.

But Queens continued answering every surge. With Tahj-Malik Campbell heating up—on his way to a game-high 28 points—the Knights hung around until the final minute.

With the game tied in the closing seconds, Queens isolated Campbell at the top of the floor. He drove hard to his right and finished a tough, contested layup with under two seconds remaining. Lincoln’s desperation heave missed as time expired, sealing the Lions’ first loss in the Classic and one of the most dramatic endings of the event.

LINCOLN TOP PERFORMERS

Julius Olanrewaju
• 23 points
• 7–13 FG, 3–4 3FG
• 5 rebounds

BJ Johnson Jr.
• 11 points
• 9 rebounds
• 7 assists

Draven Pilson
• 9 points
• 7 rebounds

Ginuwine Tropnas
• 9 points
• 7 rebounds

GAME NOTES

• Game featured 7 lead changes and 6 ties
• Lincoln scored 32 points in the paint and 9 fast-break points
• Lions dominated the glass, 41–27, but shot just 52% at the free-throw line
• Queens closed the game on a late 6–2 run