Lincoln dominates 2nd half in Class A win over Bedford

Imagine, the threat of not having to practice being a motivating factor.

That was the motivational ploy Lincoln High School coach Mike Foley used at halftime Wednesday night, and it worked.

His Railsplitters dominated the second half on their way to a 75-58 Class A semifinal win over Temperance Bedford at Saline High School.

"I told my players, tomorrow half the teams in the state of Michigan won't be practicing. We have 16 minutes to make sure were not in that group," Foley said. His team trailed 23-22 at the break.

"They stepped up, took the challenge and played great."

More coverage: This Story on MLive.com | District Bracket

Lincoln (14-8) will play Southeastern Conference White Division rival Adrian (9-12) in Friday's 7 p.m. title game. The Maples beat Carleton Airport 65-55 in overtime in Wednesday's other semifinal.

Lincoln and Adrian each won on each others' courts during the regular season; Adrian winning 59-52 at Lincoln on Jan. 29 and the Railsplitters winning 73-55 at Adrian on March 2.

Deshawn Cliffton scored 22 points and Andrew Dillon 21 in Lincoln's semifinal win, which was its sixth straight. They also connected on what Foley considered the game-changing play.

Coming out of a third quarter timeout, the Railsplitters ran a high pick-and-roll with Cliffton throwing a no-look alley-oop pass to Dillon for a rim-rattling dunk.

"They executed the play to perfection," Foley said. "That brought the house down."

It also extended Lincoln's lead to 11 points and Bedford wouldn't threaten again.

KeAndre Taylor added 18 points for Lincoln. Bedford was led by Matt Lazette's 17 points.