Robert Smith
Tyler Smith
FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. – Third-ranked Northeastern got back on the winning track on Friday with a 69-41 win over Lincoln.
The Knights grabbed an early 20-9 after one period in the Tri-Eastern Conference match-up of Class 2A teams before holding a 39-19 advantage by the intermission.
“A good team win,” Northeastern Head Coach Brent Ross said. “Also a great evening of support for Austin McNew.”
McNew is a Northeastern football player, who was injured recently and remains hospitalized.
The Knights had four players in double figures led by Tyler Smith and Robert Smith with 17 points each.
Hunter Ferris
Nate Reynolds finished with 16 points, while Bailey Stewart tossed in 11 points. Robert Smith and Stewart topped the Knights with nine rebounds apiece.
With their offensive outputs, Tyler Smith (989) and Stewart (963) got closer to the career 1,000-point club.
The Golden Eagles were led by Hunter Ferris, who had 14 points. Chase Southerland added 11 points.
Northeastern (12-3, 2-0) is back on the Larry Moore Gymnasium court Saturday night as the Knights entertain Class 1A No. 1 Liberty Christian.
Lincoln (7-8, 1-3) plays TEC foe Union County at home on Thursday.
Box Score
LINCOLN (7-8, 1-3) – Ben Bertsch 0 0-0 0, Hunter Ferris 6 1-1 14, Chase Southerland 5 0-0 11, Garrett Pumphrey 3 0-0 6, Nick Cupp 2 2-2 6, Peyton Renforth 0 0-2 0, Austin Lanich 0 0-0 0, Justin Black 0 0-0 0, Caleb Craig 0 0-0 0, Bryant Hilbert 0 2-2 2, Austin Wampler 0 0-0 0, Luke Isaacs 0 0-0 0, Skyler McCary 1 0-0 2, James Pugh 1 0-0 0, Garron Laymon 0 0-0 0. Team – 17 5-5 41.
NORTHEASTERN (12-3, 2-0) – Tyler Smith 7 2-4 17, Bailey Stewart 5 0-0 11, Robert Smith 8 1-2 17, Nate Reynolds 7 1-1 16, DaShawn Hampton 1 0-0 3, Harrison Rice 1 0-0 2, Caleb Mikesell 1 1-1 3, Austin Clay 0 0-0 0, Jalen Hillard 0 0-0 0, Gabe Beatty 0 0-0 0, Alex Reynolds 0 0-0 0. Team – 30 5-8 69.
Lincoln 9 19 29 41
Northeastern 20 39 59 69
3-pointers – Lincoln 2 (Ferris 1, Southerland 1), Northeastern 4 (T. Smith 1, Reynolds 1, Stewart 1, Hampton 1). Rebounds – Lincoln 26 (Ferris 9), Northeastern 36 (R. Smith 9, Stewart 9). Turnovers – Lincoln 25, Northeastern 13. Fouls – Lincoln 10, Northeastern 14.