GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team shot an efficient 57.1 percent from the field to cruise to a 97-74 win over Clayton State Friday evening at the South Atlantic Conference / Peach Belt Conference Challenge hosted by Tusculum.
 
The Railsplitters (2-1) led 51-35 at halftime after shooting a blistering 64.3 percent (18-28) from the field and 92.9 percent (13-14) from the free throw line in the opening 20 minutes. A layup from Me'Kell Burries put Lincoln Memorial up 24-14 less than 10 minutes into the contest, and the lead would be double digits the rest of the way.
 
The lead would peak at 33 after a Martez Brown layup put Lincoln Memorial up 79-46 with 11:17 to play in the second half.
 
Chase Rankin shot an efficient 8-for-9 from the field to lead the Railsplitters with 22 points, while also adding seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Jordan Walters added 19 points and three rebounds, while Martez Brown produced a double-double off the bench with 12 points and 12 boards. Quay Kennedy (14 points, five rebounds, three assists) and Jordan Guest (11 points, seven rebounds) also contributed double figures scoring for the Railsplitter.
 
Lincoln Memorial dominated inside, winning the rebounding battle 45-to-26 and getting 34 more points in the paint than the Lakers (62-28).
 
The Railsplitters will be back at it Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. against USC Aiken in their second game of the SAC/PBC Challenge.