The Division II champion Lincoln boys basketball team kept its undefeated season alive as it ousted Hendricken from the state tournament on Monday, running away with the 74-53 victory. Lincoln will now take on Classical in the Final Four round on Saturday at URI.

The Hawks faced a first-quarter deficit but would go on an 11-2 run to cut into the Lincoln lead and make it 24-22 late in the second quarter. The Lions roared in the final three minutes of the half, though, going on their own 11-2 run to take a commanding lead into the break. The Lions outscored the Hawks 21-13 in the fourth quarter to ultimately run away with the win.

Lincoln star Wayne McNamara took control down the stretch, leading the way with a game-high 26 points and breaking the school’s all-time scoring record. Hendricken’s Jakob Reyes scored all of his team-leading 21 points in the second half while James Caldarella added 13 and Michael D’Ambra seven.

Hendricken coach Jamal Gomes tipped his cap to Lincoln’s McNamara and Camden DiChiara, who have been perhaps the state’s best 1-2 punch this season.

“They are very tough tandem to handle, they kind of remind me of Eze (Wali) and Azmar (Abdullah) from last year. They’re both good players and I love the way they attack the rim, I think that was the difference in the game. Their ability to drive to the basket, rebound their misses while hitting timely 3’s when they needed them,” Gomes said.

The loss ends a historic run of success for the Hawks, who have won the past three state championships and six of the past seven. After graduating all five starters from last year’s group, Gomes was pleased with his young roster’s development this winter season.

“I’m proud of our guys. Not only did we have a young group, but they were inexperienced. This is a great learning experience for our group and we will have our core returning next year, hopefully this is motivation for our guys,” said Gomes.

Moving forward, Gomes hopes his guys stay busy in the offseason in preparation for next winter as they look to get back into the championship mix.

“We need the guys that are returning to continue training and working on their games. That’s a big part of it. That training, that competitiveness, that’s what our group needs to do before coming back,” said Gomes. “I’m proud of them, I’m proud of this season. Not many people thought we’d be able to do what we did, finishing in fourth place. Hopefully we can build on that for the future.”