The No. 10 Lindenwood men's basketball team hit the halfway point of conference play on Monday after a 69-55 victory over Benedictine. The Lions are 9-1 at the midpoint of the HAAC schedule and are currently in first place in the HAAC, half a game ahead of William Jewell.

Two days after allowing a season-high in points, Lindenwood returned to strong defense in the victory. The Lions held the Ravens to just 35.4 percent shooting from the field and outrebounded Benedictine by a 46-36 mark.

That defense helped Lindenwood dig itself out of an early hole. Benedictine led 27-20 with just under six minutes remaining in the first half. The Lions allowed just two more field goals in the half as they went on a 19-4 run to take a 39-31 halftime lead. That momentum carried over to the second half as they allowed just two field goals over the first five minutes of the period and Lindenwood built its lead up to 14.

Benedictine did get as close as five at 54-49, but Lindenwood went on a 7-0 run punctuated by a three-pointer by Alfred Nelson. That three-pointer came with 8:26 remaining and was Lindenwood's final field goal of the night. Benedictine only managed two more field goals though and the Lions clinched the victory at the free throw line in the final two minutes.

In his first collegiate start, freshman Garrett Reeg led Lindenwood with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. He was seven of 11 from the field and his 15 rebounds were the most by a Lion this season. Alex Bazzell was the team's leading scorer with 19 points, including a perfect 12 of 12 night at the free throw line. He also dished out a team-high three assists. Kramer Soderberg finished with 14 points and Richard Rose had 13. Both players had a pair of steals and notched a season-high with six rebounds. Nelson had seven points, three blocks and also recorded six rebounds.

Lindenwood improves to 18-2 overall with the victory. The Lions will be on the road next, travelling to Culver-Stockton on Thursday night.