The No. 14 Lindenwood men's basketball team showed no rust from a two-week layoff on Tuesday night as it defeated Missouri Baptist by a 91-63 score. The Lions offense scored a season-high in the victory, while the defense held the Spartans to just 35.4 percent shooting from the field.

The Lions put the game away early, scoring the first six points and eventually leading by a 45-22 score at halftime. Lindenwood held Missouri Baptist to 27.3 percent shooting from the field in the half and nine different Lions scored in a balanced offensive effort.

Lindenwood's offense stayed hot in the second half as the Lions hit the 90-point mark for the first time in 33 games. For the contest, the Lions made 45.8 percent from the field. Lindenwood was especially dominate in the paint, outscoring Missouri Baptist 46-22. The Lions outrebounded Missouri Baptist 52-39 and only turned the ball over seven times.

Alex Bazzell and Brett Thompson led Lindenwood in its fourth straight win. Bazzell's line included 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He hit five of eight from the field, including two three-pointers, and was eight of eight from the free throw line. Thompson had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. He was eight of 10 shooting from the field.

David King had a team-high 11 rebounds and he was one of seven players with seven or more points. Kramer Soderberg and Brandon Kunkel each had nine, and Garrett Reeg, Michael Boos, and King all had seven. Soderberg tied Bazzell with a team-high six assists.

Lindenwood improves to 5-1 on the season. The Lions begin conference play on Thursday evening at home against Culver-Stockton. The game is St. Charles Dollar Night, with tickets and concession items all costing just $1. Fans are also encouraged to bring a donated toy to the game for Toys for Tots, and each fan that does so will receive a free ticket to the Jan. 15 basketball doubleheader against MidAmerica Nazarene.