With Essuon in foul trouble, Blue Tigers fall to Southwest Baptist

Lincoln's Arriana Walker drives to the basket during Wednesday's game against Southwest Baptist at Jason Gym. Bearcat guard Tanis Spani defends Walker on the play.
Lincoln's Arriana Walker drives to the basket during Wednesday's game against Southwest Baptist at Jason Gym. Bearcat guard Tanis Spani defends Walker on the play.

There's no denying Vivian Essuon's value for Lincoln.

When the senior forward exited the game with her third foul less than two minutes into the second half, Lincoln trailed by just two points. When she re-entered the game with 11:44 to play, the deficit had swollen to 13 points.

Lincoln wasn't able to recover as Southwest Baptist handed the Blue Tigers a 79-59 loss Wednesday night at Jason Gym.

Essuon's absence played a huge role in the Bearcats 24-4 run that turned a three-point Lincoln lead into a commanding lead for Southwest Baptist.