The new-look Lincoln Blue Tigers relied on a familiar face Wednesday night.
Cedric Ridle, the lone returning starter from last season's team, put on a show in his final home opener, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds in Lincoln's 86-72 victory against McKendree (Ill.) at Jason Gym.
"I thought he's been stale," Lincoln coach John Redmond said of Ridle's play thus far this season. "My comment to him today at our meeting was that he needs to break out. I knew once he broke out we might be better as a team. He's got to play. When he's playing well every body else joins in."
Ridle did just that, getting his points on 9-of-12 shooting in just 26 minutes of play. The senior guard scored 17 of those points in the first half when the game was still close.
Ridle wasn't the only one to shine. Lincoln's batch of newcomers had a dazzling home debut as well.