STORYLINE - VS. LINCOLN MEMORIAL
The Lincoln Memorial Railsplitters (LMU) are working on extending their highly successful men's basketball program through the tutelage of first year head coach Jeremiah Samarrippas, who started his position this year. From Lincoln Memorial's records, Samarrippas is known to be one of the youngest coaches in Division-II men's basketball history.

So far in his first season at the helm of the program, Samarrippas has led the Railsplitters to an 8-1 record, and a 5-1 record in the South Atlantic Conference. In the league standings, LMU rightfully holds the first place spot with six of their players averaging over 10 points a game and only suffering one loss to SAC-opponent Wingate. On the season, the team averages 50.3% from the field and 37.1% from the arc. In their last three matchups, the team has snagged above 50% from the field. As of Dec. 14, LMU ranks 10th place in the nation according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) poll. 
 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Jordan Guest:  Averages 16.4 ppg and 8.8 rpg - was named SAC Player of the Week on Nov. 29, 2021. 

Gabe Brown: Averages 14.1 ppg, dropped 31 points against S.C. Aiken on Nov.  13, 2021.
 

ABOUT UVA WISE
Head Coach Blake Mellinger and the Cavs pulled out an exciting and season-changing win in overtime against the Emory & Henry Wasps on Saturday, Dec. 11, marking their first win of the season. Grayson Honaker was brought in for the first time at the 13:27 mark in the first half against the Wasps and helped lead the Cavs with 23 points. At the top scoring spot was Makai Vassell, who dropped a career-high 26 points and hit a three-pointer in the last two seconds of the game to force the two squads to overtime. The Cavaliers look to extend their win streak to two before the holiday break and will have two chances to do so, starting Wednesday.