Lincoln Lions Outlast Cheyney in a Back-and-Forth Battle at the Chase Fieldhouse

December 7, 2025 – Wilmington, DE
In a matchup filled with pride, history, and high energy, Lincoln University (PA) secured a thrilling 85–77 victory over Cheyney University at the Philadelphia 76ers G-League Affiliate arena, the Chase Fieldhouse. The neutral-site showdown brought out 1,145 fans, creating a big-game atmosphere as both teams delivered a competitive and physical contest from start to finish.

With 19 lead changes and seven ties, this game was anything but predictable.

A Tight First Half

Both teams opened with confidence. Cheyney put together a strong first half behind efficient shooting and steady guard play, scoring 36 points before the break. But Lincoln responded with 40 points, powered by timely three-point shooting and hustle plays.

Jordan Sanders sparked the Lions early, knocking down four threes and finishing with 19 points. Freshman standout Julius Olanrewaju added a smooth and efficient 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, helping Lincoln control momentum in key stretches.

Cheyney Fights Back

Cheyney’s balanced scoring kept them in striking distance all night:

• S.J. Hutchinson – 17 pts, 4 steals

• Joshua Blackmon – 13 pts, 3 threes

• D’Angelo Lake – 13 pts, 10 rebounds (double-double)

• Clyde Frasier – 13 pts, 4 assists

The Wolves thrived in the paint, scoring 46 interior points, while also adding 15 fast-break points and 13 second-chance points.

BJ Johnson Jr. Takes Over the Second Half

Lincoln’s X-factor was BJ Johnson Jr., who came off the bench and delivered one of the best performances of the season. Johnson scored a game-high 28 points, relentlessly attacking the rim and converting 10 of 13 at the free-throw line.

Whenever Cheyney made a run, Johnson answered—whether it was with a drive, a midrange pull-up, or a clutch steal.

Rebounding & Bench Depth Push Lincoln Ahead

Lincoln controlled the interior battle with a dominant 44–33 rebounding edge. Their bench was equally impactful, outscoring Cheyney’s reserves 35–21.

Other key Lions contributors included:

• Draven Pilson – 6 pts, 7 rebounds

• Gian-Paul Anderson – 9 rebounds, 4 steals

• Kesean Shillingford – perfect 3-for-3 shooting

• Amadou Fall – 5 pts and energy minutes on defense

Lincoln also turned 12 Cheyney turnovers into 18 points, a major deciding factor down the stretch.

Closing Moments

With under four minutes left, the Lions clamped down defensively and hit crucial free throws to seal the win. The atmosphere inside the Chase Fieldhouse intensified as Lincoln executed down the stretch, earning a well-deserved victory.

Lincoln improves to 2–4 (0–0 CIAA), while Cheyney drops to 1–5.

Final Score

Lincoln University (PA) 85
Cheyney University 77