JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln men's basketball team shot .577 from the field in the second half as the Blue Tigers beat Central Missouri, 61-52, on Saturday (Dec. 9). to improve to 3-0 on their home court this season. 

Both teams played well defensively in the first half, with the Mules entering halftime holding a 25-21 advantage over the Blue Tigers. Lincoln (7-1, 2-1 MIAA) held UCM to .321 shooting from the field during the first 20 minutes, but LU was limited to just six field goals in the opening half. Lincoln's offense came to life in the second half while the LU defense remained staunch, holding the Mules to .276 from the floor and just one successful three-pointer in 13 attempts.

DJ Richardson had a big day, leading Lincoln with 22 points while grabbing six rebounds, dishing four assists and registering a steal. Franck Yetna led LU with seven rebounds and chipped in 11 points to go with three blocks and an assist. Elijah Farr added 10 points, six boards, a block and an assist as the Blue Tigers defeated Central Missouri (4-3, 0-3 MIAA) in Jason Gym for the seventh-straight time.

Jose Roberto Tanchyn had six points, two blocks, three boards and a steal while Sam Rautins provided five points and three rebounds to the winning cause. Trey Boston, making his LU debut, blocked a shot and had two rebounds to go with a steal. Jamar Madge, Jr., meanwhile, finished with four points, two boards and a pair of assists. Tyson Robinson, meanwhile, closed the scoring for Lincoln with three points, four rebounds and an assist.

Lincoln remains at home next Saturday (Dec. 16) to host Missouri Southern at 3:00 p.m. CST.