Lincoln has late 2-point try fail in 24-22 loss in opener to Lindenwood

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - The Lincoln football team had a chance to tie its season opener in the waning moments Thursday, but the Blue Tigers couldn't connect on a 2-point conversion and lost 24-22 to the Lindenwood Lions.

The Blue Tigers got two scores in the final 4 1/2 minutes to make things interesting.

With 4:24 left in the contest, Lincoln's Morris Henderson ripped off a 19-yard scoring run to get the Blue Tigers within 24-16.

The Lions took the ensuing kickoff back to their 49-yard line before Lincoln kicker Julio Segura forced a fumble. But Lindenwood recovered at the Lincoln 46 to keep possession.

The Lions then drove to the Lincoln 30 before turning it over on downs with 2:35 remaining.

The Blue Tigers then drove 70 yards in 11 plays, getting a 29-yard scoring pass from Jacob Morris to Bryson Winfrey to cap it off. The 2-point pass attempt was then dropped in the end zone by an open receiver.

But the Blue Tigers had one last chance. Lincoln recovered the ensuing onside kick, but was called for a penalty and forced to re-kick. On that try, Lindenwood recovered and ran out the clock.

It was almost a miraculous comeback from a 24-3 deficit for the Blue Tigers.

Lindenwood got the game's first score with 10:20 left in the opening quarter on a 4-yard run by Marvin Byrd.

The Lions ran it to 10-0 with 14:46 left before halftime on a 31-yard field goal by Brandon White.

Lincoln got on the board when Andrew Fishel booted a 25-yard field goal with 2:25 left before intermission.

But the Lions were able to go 78 yards in just six plays, scoring on a 26-yard pass from Dillon Miller to Tyrian Taylor with :20 left before halftime that made it 17-3.

The only score of the third quarter came when Lindenwood's Miller hit Alex Robinson with a 5-yard touchdown pass at the 10:54 mark. The Lions took a 24-3 edge into the fourth.

That's when Lincoln started its charge. With 12:05 left in the contest, Morris hit Andre Borney with a 23-yard scoring pass to cut the lead to 24-10.

The Lions led 468-403 in total yardage, while the Blue Tigers held a 23-22 advantage in first downs and an edge in time of possession of 30:28-29:32.

Lincoln is off until Sept. 14 when it plays Grambling State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.