OLNEY, Ill. – No. 10 Parkland College Men's Basketball (0-1) opened its delayed 2020-21 season with a loss to Lincoln Trail College (1-0). The Cobras were on the road, participating in the Olney Central Invite. Parkland garnered its #10 national ranking in the NJCAA DII preseason poll, released this past Tuesday.
 
The Cobras got off to a very slow start, trailing twice by 15 points, 3-18 and 12-27. At that point, Kelvin Swims Jr. (21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks) sparked a 19-6 run that was capped by a Jamil Hardaway (3 points, 4 rebounds) 3-pointer as the halftime clock expired. At the half, the deficit was 2 points, 31-33.
 
In the second half, Parkland got some early stops, taking a couple of charges, and methodically took the lead at 38-34. The offense then stalled, and with 9 minutes remaining, the score was tied, 46-46. Lincoln Trail took the lead, and from that point forward, did not relinquish it. The Cobras fell behind by 10 points but then clawed back to within one with 21 seconds remaining. A missed free throw and a 3-point play on the defensive end sealed the game for the Statesmen.
 
In addition to Swims Jr., offensive leaders included Kevin Bishop II (13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist) and Deonte Douglas (10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists). Josh Rivers (6 rebounds, 5 points)
and EJ Ray (6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist) combined for 12 of the Cobras' 34 rebounds. Lincoln Trail out-shot Parkland, 45% to 34%.
 
Up next, Parkland will play the host of the Olney Central Invite in Olney, Ill., on Saturday, January 23, at 3:00 pm.