Chris Lewis had 12 points to lead Adair County to a 51-41 victory against Lincoln County in the first round of the Sweet 16 boys' state basketball tournament on Wednesday.

In the Indians' first trip to the Sweet 16 in more than a decade, Kalen Kimberland had 11 points and Darren Ballou added 10 points for the Region 5 champions.

It was Adair County's first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1995 and Lincoln County's first appearance since 1980.

Ryan Young led Region 12 winner Lincoln County (24-10) with 17 points.

After scoring the first points of the game when Daniel Ralston made a putback off the glass giving Lincoln County a 2-0 lead, the Patriots never led again.

Adair County (24-9) made 12-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter for its 12th straight victory.

Trailing 33-22, Lincoln County began the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run capped by consecutive lay-ups by Ryan Young, pulling as close as 33-29.

But Adair County, which led by as many as 13 in the second half, quickly regained control of the game with its own 6-1 run.

Adair County led by as many as nine in the first half when Joseph Willis made a layup off the glass putting the Indians ahead, 23-14.

Lincoln County's Trent Calhoun hit a floating jumper in the lane before the buzzer sounded cutting Adair County's lead to 23-16 at halftime.