INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP men's basketball program maintained their lead throughout the second to pull off a win against Lincoln, 61-57 Thanksgiving Eve at the KCAC.
 
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half with IUP managing just 22 points, six more than Lincoln. In the second, Lincoln outscored the Hawks with 41 points compared to their 38, but IUP managed to stay in control, holding the Lions to a four-point loss.
 
With this win, the Hawks improve to a five-game winning streak. 
 
Christian Moore led the charge with a standout performance, posting 23 points while shooting 7-for-14 from the field, 7-for-9 from the free-throw line, and adding seven rebounds and two steals. He also accounted for both of IUP's three-pointers. 
 
Kymani Merraro contributed 12 points, five assists, and six made free throws, while Damir Brooks added a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal.
 
Lincoln began with a six point lead, until Brooks added a layup and a made free throw. Shortly after Brooks posted a block, the first of two on the night. The Lions extended the score to 9-3 with a three-pointer, but Merraro answered with a jumper. Ian Herring later tied the game at nine.
 
The teams traded points with IUP tying up the score multiple times. With seven minutes to play, IUP claimed its first lead of the night with a jumper from Sarp Furton. 
 
The Lions went on a five-minute scoring drought after IUP's defense had two blocks and one steal. The Lions' last points of the half came at 2:38, while Luke Triggs added a layup with 1:37 to close out the half at 22-16.
 
Moore and Furton both scored on their opening possessions of the second half to put the Hawks ahead by eight points. Six minutes in, Lincoln went on a 6-5 point run, tying the score at 27 all. Two back-to-back threes from Moore kept the Hawks in control.
 
Brooks notched a dunk at the six-minute mark assisted by Merraro. Despite a four-minute scoring drought for IUP, Brooks broke the silence with another dunk, again assisted by Merraro. 
 
In the final minute, the Hawks capitalized on free throws, with Merraro adding four points and Moore sealing the victory by sinking six from the line.
 
Up Next 
IUP closes its home game stretch with a matchup against South Carolina Beaufort Monday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m.
 
Follow 
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP men's basketball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUP_MBB.