WILMINGTON, Del. — Johnson C. Smith University picked up a hard-fought road victory on Saturday afternoon, edging Lincoln (PA) 50–49 inside Chase Fieldhouse. The win moves the Golden Bulls to 3–3 overall and 1–0 in CIAA play, while the Lions drop to 1–7 (0–1 CIAA).

In a game that saw six ties and eight lead changes, JCSU relied on a dominant effort on the glass and timely scoring down the stretch to secure the one-point win.

Junior forward La'Niya Simes delivered a standout performance, posting a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double while shooting an efficient 7–12 from the field. Simes anchored the Bulls in all four quarters and provided key baskets late to hold off the Lions' final push.

Junior guard Tameia Shaw added 12 points, two assists, and a steal in 30 minutes of action, while graduate forward Salote Franklin battled on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring seven points. Franklin's presence inside helped JCSU win the rebounding battle 40–38, including a crucial 16 offensive rebounds.

Freshman Rylee Ghent chipped in four early points, and point guard Nyasia James finished with five assists to guide the offense.

Defense proved to be the difference in the closing minutes. The Golden Bulls forced 14 Lincoln turnovers, converting them into 12 points. JCSU also held the Lions to just 3-of-10 shooting in the fourth quarter, including a scoreless final minute.

Lincoln was paced by Kaziah Akinniyi with 18 points, while the Lions shot 32.1% from the field and only 1-of-7 from three.

Despite shooting 33.9% for the game, the Golden Bulls found answers when needed—outscoring Lincoln in three of the four quarters and going 5-of-7 from the line in the fourth period.

JCSU also earned an 11–6 advantage in fast-break points and tied the Lions with 26 points in the paint.