The Lincoln men's basketball team has already clinched a winning season and a postseason berth. Today, the Blue Tigers will attempt to clinch a winning MIAA record for the first time since the 1986-87 season.
Lincoln (15-11 overall, 9-8 MIAA) hosts Missouri Western (5-19, 3-14 MIAA), which is still trying to earn a spot in the MIAA Tournament, at 7:30 p.m. today at Jason Gym.
The Blue Tigers enter the contest on a four-game winning streak, which began Feb. 3 with an 81-72 victory at Missouri Western.
The Griffons have lost two straight and four of their last five games.
Terrence Smith, who leads Lincoln in scoring at 15.3 points per game, tied a season-high 30 points in last Thursday night's win against Central Missouri. Smith has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games.
Tez Ivory is a close second to Smith in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game. He scored 10 points in that win against the Mules to score in double figures for the third straight contest.
John Burton, who's averaging 12.7 points per game, has been steady of late. He's scored at least nine points in four straight games, including a 15-point performance against the Griffons on Feb. 3.
Smith, Ivory and Burton lead a Blue Tigers squad that's sixth in the MIAA in scoring with 76.8 points per game. The Griffons are at the bottom of the league, averaging 65.6 points.
Lincoln was on fire from deep against UCM last week, making 14-of-27 from beyond the arc. The Blue Tigers lead the MIAA in 3-pointers made (256) and 3-point percentage (41.4 percent).
Missouri Western is led by Lavon Hightower with 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. Next on the scoring list is Cole Clearman, who averages 7.9 points and a team-high 3.0 assists, followed by T.J. Evans, who averages 7.4 points.
In the women's game, Lincoln (3-22, 0-17 MIAA) will face a Missouri Western team fighting for the 12th and final spot in next week's MIAA Tournament.
The Blue Tigers and Griffons will tip at 5:30 p.m.
Both teams will attempt to break a losing skid. Missouri Western has lost four straight since defeating Lincoln 57-44 on Feb. 3 in St. Joseph.
Citlali Lopez leads the Blue Tigers with 10.1 points per game. She's scored either seven or eight points in five straight contests.
Faith Brintle is closing in on Lopez as the team's top scorer at 9.9 points per game.
Brintle has reached double figures in three straight games, including a 21-point output against Lindenwood on Feb. 13.
Bre Coleman continues to be among the top rebounders in the MIAA. Her 7.6 boards per game is tied for 11th in the conference.
Missouri Western's KeShara Scott is 13th with 7.2 rebounds per game.
Brittany Atkins leads the Griffons with 13.7 points per game, while Melia Richardson averages 10.5 points.