BALTIMORE, MD — In an exciting conclusion to the CIAA Match, held on the CFG Financial institution Area in Baltimore, Maryland, the Lincoln College Lions claimed the 2024 CIAA Males’s Basketball Championship title with a slim 54-51 victory over Fayetteville State College. This intense championship sport showcased each groups’ willpower and talent, however Lincoln emerged victorious, cementing their place in CIAA historical past.
Lincoln was acknowledged as a champion within the official record of CIAA winners in 1915 with Howard and Hampton earlier than the CIAA was formally fashioned.
With the victory, Lincoln additionally secures the CIAA’s automated bid to the NCAA Division II event. Lincoln will be taught its opponent and vacation spot on Sunday, March 10 when the pairings are introduced.
The sport began tightly contested, with Lincoln trailing barely at halftime, 21-20. Their capturing within the first half was not optimum, with the group managing solely 8-23 from the sector. Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day College) was a shiny spot for Lincoln, main with 5 factors on 2-3 capturing, alongside two rebounds and a steal. The group struggled from past the arc, hitting simply 1 of 5 makes an attempt, however maintained composure on the free-throw line with 3-4 capturing.
The second half noticed Lincoln elevate their efficiency to beat the deficit and in the end win the championship sport with a last rating of 54-51. The Lions improved their capturing to 17-44 from the sector and 3-9 from three-point vary.
Their aggressive play and strategic fouling paid off, permitting them to capitalize on free-throw alternatives, making 17 of 24 makes an attempt. The group additionally demonstrated their defensive prowess with 24 rebounds, eight assists, six steals, and 7 blocks whereas retaining their turnovers to a manageable 12.
Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day College) emerged because the main scorer for Lincoln, ending the sport with 15 factors, 5 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his versatility and significance to the group. Baker Cleveland performed an important position within the victory, particularly within the sport’s closing phases, together with his clutch efficiency from the free-throw line, scoring 13 factors and securing two steals whereas changing 8 of 10 free throws.
Peter Sorbet was named the CIAA Match MVP, a testomony to his impactful play all through the event. He contributed 9 factors, 4 blocks, and 6 rebounds within the championship sport alone, capturing 4-8 from the sector. His all-around efficiency was pivotal in Lincoln’s path to victory.
“Our guys simply wished it a bit of bit extra,” Lincoln head coach Jason Armstrong mentioned. “Our guys stayed centered and stayed within the second. It was great to our see followers be right here with us this entire week and cheer us on. We got here again this yr and did what we wished to do. Now, we prepare for the NCAA Match. Shout out to Fayetteville State. They battled to the tip and by no means gave up.”
The victory marks a big achievement for the Lincoln Lions, crowning them because the 2024 CIAA Males’s Basketball Champions. This win highlights the group’s expertise and exhausting squad all through the season and solidifies their legacy inside the convention.
The contributions of gamers like Ethan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day College), Baker Cleveland, and Peter Sorbet had been instrumental on this championship run, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Lincoln College basketball program.
2024 Meals Lion Males’s Championship MVPEthan Garita (Trenton, N.J./Princeton Day College) (Lincoln College)
2024 CIAA Males’s Match MVPPeter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic) (Lincoln College)
2024 CIAA Males’s All-Match TeamJordan Hinds, Guard (Bluefield State College) Reggie Raynoe, Guard (Elizabeth Metropolis State College) Jailen Williams, Ahead (Claflin College) Tremere Brown, Ahead (Virginia State College) Alston Sherrell, Middle (Johnson C. Smith College) Kalem Coleman, Ahead (Fayetteville State College)Peter Sorber (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Catholic), Middle (Lincoln College) Jaylen Alston, Ahead (Winston-Salem State College) Tairell Fletcher, Guard (Fayetteville State College)Reggie Hudson (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond’s), Guard (Lincoln College)
2024 CIAA Males’s Workforce Sportsmanship AwardJohnson C. Smith College
