Video - Joey Parker's Overtime Three-Pointer
The Lindenwood men's basketball team won its 10th home game of the season on Thursday night, but it was one of the toughest victories to pick up. The Lions trailed much of the night and had to play an extra period, but they eventually defeated Missouri Valley by a 63-60 score.
The Vikings came out on fire, making nine of their first 12 field goal attempts and they grabbed an early 18-8 lead after eight minutes. Lindenwood eventually found its footing, even tying the game at 24, and it trailed by just four at halftime at 30-26.
Missouri Valley held onto that lead for much of the second half as the Lions had numerous chances to take the lead but could not convert on the offensive end. Lindenwood finally went ahead thanks to its defense in the final four minutes. The Vikings went ahead 51-49 with 4:38 remaining, but Lindenwood held Missouri Valley without a point for the next four minutes.
Brett Thompson tied the game with 3:27 left and
David King put the Lions ahead 53-51 with under two minutes remaining. Lindenwood would hit just two-of-four free throws though in the final minute, leaving the door open for Missouri Valley. With the Lions up 55-53, the Vikings took the ball out at midcourt with 2.2 seconds remaining and Roven Haenig was able to receive the pass and drive for a game-tying layup at the buzzer.
In overtime, Missouri Valley scored the first three points, but Lindenwood answered with four straight points on baskets by
Toriano Adams and
Joey Parker. The Vikings took one more lead, but a three-pointer by Parker with 1:35 put Lindenwood up 62-60. Neither team executed well in a wild final minute, as three missed field goals by Missouri Valley, including a halfcourt three-pointer at the buzzer, helped the Lions escape with a three-point win.
Missouri Valley's defense forced 20 turnovers in the game, but Lindenwood shot 48.1 percent from the field and outrebounded the Vikings by a 34-27 margin. Despite its hot start, Missouri Valley finished the game shooting just 41.8 percent from the field, including two-of-eight in overtime.
Richard Rose led Lindenwood with 15 points off the bench and Parker had 12 points and four assists. The Lions also received solid contributions from the rest of their roster. In the post, Thompson had nine points and five rebounds, Adams added eight points and 12 rebounds, and
Shane Williams had seven points and seven rebounds.
Alfred Nelson hit two three-pointers in the first half, helping the Lions overcome their early deficit.
With the win, Lindenwood moves up to fifth in the HAAC standings with a 9-6 conference mark, just one game out of third-place. The Lions improved to 10-1 at the Hyland Performance Arena as they won double-figure wins at home for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
