ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team lost to fourth-seeded Lincoln 62-59 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Quarterfinals at Hyland Arena on the campus of Lindenwood University Friday (March 7).
HEAD COACH SCOTT TROST
"Proud of our guys! Competed till the very end. They made one more play than we did. Doesn't take away from what this team was able to accomplish."
TEAM RECORDS
Lincoln 21-8 | Lewis 17-11
LEWIS LEADERS vs. Lincoln
Points: Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill./Kankakee CC) (20),
Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (18),
Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) (14)
Rebounds: Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) (10), Stroud (9)
Assists: Renfro (2), Vanderheydt (2), Warden (2)
Blocks: Cem Kirciman (Istanbul, Turkey/Wisconsin-Green Bay) (1),
Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (1)
Steals: Warden (2)
GAME SUMMARY
Lincoln jumped out to an early 9-4 lead before the first media timeout. Warden looked to get back on track after converting on a three-point play to make it a two-point game at 9-7.
The Big Tigers held onto their lead throughout the next few minutes. Renfro cut it down to four (18-14) with 12 minutes then Lincoln scored back-to-back buckets to extend its lead out to eight.
Lewis tried to get back in the game after Warden made it a three-point game by knocking down a pair at the line with 5:55 left in the first half. Lincoln responded with back-to-back three-pointers extending its lead back out to eight.
The Flyers sought to regain some momentum after back-to-back buckets by Warden and Stroud but the Blue Tigers had the answer right back. Vanderheydt knocked down a triple in the closing minute of the first half but then
Lincoln responded with a bucket in the closing seconds.
Lincoln opened the second half with seven straight points to cap off a 9-0 run, giving the Tigers a 43-28 advantage. Lewis attempted to get back in the contest after scoring seven straight points after a basket from
Anthony Sayles Jr. (Evanston, Ill./Notre Dame Prep) along with a three-pointer and bucket from Renfro made it 43-35 with 15:30 to play.
Moments later, Lincoln led 45-35 after a jumper with 15:10 to play then scored nine straight in the next three minutes after Renfro and Stroud made baskets to make it a one-point contest (45-44). The Blue Tigers held firmly onto their lead and never gave it up but the Flyers made it close several times.
Lincoln extended the lead to 57-50 with 6:43 to play. Lewis got it back within one after a pair of baskets by Stroud and one by Vanderheydt made it 57-56 with 3:42 remaining in the contest.
Both teams traded three-pointers to keep it a one-point game with under a minute left. Lewis had the ball a few times down by one a few times but costly turnovers cost them the game.
The Blue Tigers knocked down free throws with four seconds remaining to seal the game. Warden had a good look for free to tie the game but his shot was unable to fall as Lincoln won 62-59.
UP NEXT
Lewis will await to see if their name is called on the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Selection Show, scheduled for Sunday, March 9 at 10 p.m. CT.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Wednesday, March 26 as we induct our newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame at the Flyer Red Dinner at Bolingbrook Golf Club starting at 6 p.m. CT. Purchase tickets at
https://lewisflyers.com/2025FlyerRedDinner
FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at
https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund
