Virdure lifts Lincoln to 84-82 victory

BOLIVAR, Mo. - Anthony Virdure sank two decisive free throws with 14 seconds remaining Friday and scored a game-high 24 points on Lincoln's way to a 84-82 win against Arkansas-Monticello in the Southwest Baptist University Classic.

Virdure, former Mineral Area Community College and 2014-15 NJCAA Region 16 Player of the Year, was one of four double-digit scorers for the Blue Tigers. Junior guard Jaylon Smith notched 16 points, junior forward Tacourrus Mattox had 12 and junior guard O'Shai Clark chipped in 10.

The Blue Tigers (1-0) shot 20-of-26 from the free throw line, while the Boll Weevils (0-1) went 22-of-32.

Lincoln won the bench battle 27-16 thanks to Mattox and Clark's performances as subs.

Smith got off to a fast start, scoring all 15 of his 16 total points in the first half. The Blue Tigers went into the break with a 46-38 advantage.

The Blue Tigers are back in action against Ouachita Baptist at 3:30 p.m. today in the Classic.

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Photos from Lincoln Blue Tigers' season-opening games