GUAYNABO, P.R. - The Lincoln men's basketball team led from nearly start to finish as the Blue Tigers beat Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 75-62, in its 2025-26 season opener on Friday (Nov. 14).

Solomon Oraegbu had a tremendous Blue Tiger debut, nearly posting a double-double with 29 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Enari Thomas also scored in double figures in his first game at Lincoln, as he finished with 19 points, three boards and an assist.

Thomas scored LU's first points of the season with a three-pointer just over a minute into the contest. Puerto Rico-Bayamon (0-1) made a free throw and hit a layup to tie the score at three, but Thomas connected on another triple to give Lincoln back the advantage. A jumper made it a one-point affair, but the Blue Tigers never let Puerto Rico-Bayamon even the score or take the lead the rest of the way. LU led 34-26 at halftime and led by as many as 14 with just under two minutes remaining.

Tyler Chapman added nine points, six boards, an assist and a steal as Lincoln shot .420 from the field and .757 at the line. The Blue Tigers forced 11 turnovers, resulting in 15 points, and finished with a 32-18 advantage on rebounds. The Blue Tigers scored 13 second-chance points on eight offensive boards.

Malcolm Davis and Matthieu Biembongo each finished with six points, five rebounds and a block, with Davis additionally dishing a team-high four assists. Max Ekono rounded out the scoring with six points, three boards and a block. D'Necco Rucker grabbed a rebound while Tyler Lucas, Amar Kadic and Rashad Williams also represented the Blue Tigers on the court.

Lincoln will play again on Saturday (Nov. 15) against Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.