It was an easy win for the boys basketball team on Jan. 6.

The Cards beat Franklin 69-49, thanks to a fast and physical defense that the Quakers couldn’t handle. Franklin did have 6’9” junior post player Joseph Smoyer, but Lincoln’s quickness, running, and numerous steals overcame Smoyer’s height. “The team had high activity,” said assistant coach Jeff Peeler. “They worked hard to get in the passing lanes.”

The Cards doubled-teamed Smoyer every time he dribbled, keeping him away from the basket. “We wanted to make it difficult for Franklin to initiate their offense,” Peeler said. By not letting Smoyer score under the basket, the Cards were able to control the defensive rebounds, which led to scoring fast-break buckets. Smoyer ended the game with 15 points.

Lincoln led at halftime 37-23 behind senior Trent Callan’s 13 points.  In the third quarter the Cards started to put the game away, opening with a 13-4 run, making the score 50-27. The score at the end of the quarter was 60-39. By the fourth quarter Lincoln had the game in hand. Head coach Sean Christensen worked in his whole roster, using team members who didn’t usually play as much.

The Cards had balanced scoring at the end, with Callan and sophomore Jonah Pemberton each finishing with a game high 15 points.

After posting a 4-4 pre-season record, Lincoln improved to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in the first PIL game of the season. The Cards will try to carry their momentum to Roosevelt as they take on the RoughRiders Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Roosevelt is currently 1-0 and 4-6 overall.