After a sluggish start on Monday evening, the Lindenwood men's basketball team took control of its game against Avila and came away with a 61-45 victory over the Eagles. The Lions trailed by seven at halftime but outscored the Eagles by a 35-12 margin in the second half for the victory.

Lindenwood's turnaround started on defense as Avila had trouble even getting shots off at times in the final 20 minutes. The Eagles shot just 21.7 percent in the period including making no three-pointers in seven attempts. The Lions offense also woke up after a slow first half, as they made 15-of-28 field goals in the second.

The Lions were led by their inside game. Brett Thompson had 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots, and Toriano Adams had 16 points and nine boards. Those two combined to make 16-of-23 field goal attempts.

Richard Rose and Alfred Nelson each scored seven, and Joey Parker had a team-high four assists.

Lindenwood, winners of seven of its last eight games, starts a crucial two-game homestand on Thursday night against current HAAC leader, Central Methodist.