Salem University sliced an 18-point deficit down to one late in the first half, but Lincoln University pulled away to defeat the Tigers 99-78 in NCAA Division II men's basketball Tuesday at Lincoln University, Pa. Fonz Hale led four Tigers in double figures with a game-high 23 points.
 
Salem (1-1) trailed 33-15 midway through the first half, but held Lincoln to a single field goal over a four-minute stretch to climb back into the game. Aleksa Dobrijevic connected on three-pointers on back-to-back possessions to cut the margin to single digits at 35-27 with 6:29 left before halftime. Dobrijevic scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half.
 
After going the first 10 minutes of the game without a free throw attempt, the Tigers went 13-for-16 from the line in the first half. Dobrijevic and Shawn Christian each knocked down a pair of free throws and Hale followed with a three-pointer to pull Salem within 45-44 with 1:11 remaining. But Lincoln scored the final six points of the half as a pair of free throws by Korey Williams gave the Lions a 51-44 advantage at the break.
 
Lincoln (1-0) outscored the Tigers 9-2 to open the second half and build its lead to 60-46 with 17:48 left to play. The margin stayed in double figures the remainder of the contest.
 
Barron Tanner had his first double-figure game as a Tiger with 15 points to go with nine rebounds and four assists. Jordan Forbes added 12 points and four blocked shots. Hale also dished out four assists. After hitting seven 3-pointers in the first half, Salem connected only twice in the second half from beyond the arc.
 
Lincoln placed five players in double figures as Bernard Lightsey scored 21 points, while Ja'Zere Noel recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Tuesday's loss snapped Salem's eight-game road winning streak, dating back to the final two months of the 2019-20 season. The all-time series between Salem and Lincoln is now even at 3-3 with the home team winning each time. A rematch between the two teams is slated for December 12 at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.
 
Salem is scheduled to travel to Hillsdale, Mich., Saturday afternoon to take on Hillsdale College, but the status of that contest is uncertain. Additional COVID-19 restrictions are being implemented in the state of Michigan, including restrictions regarding sporting events. An announcement will be made this week regarding Saturday's contest.