The Lindenwood Lady Lions basketball team won a key conference game against the Avila Eagles on Monday night 61-45 at Hyland Arena. 

The Lady Lions defense stifled the Avila offense, holding it to just 29 percent shooting and 45 points. Lindenwood also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Eagles 39-20. 

At the 15:31 mark the Eagles were leading 5-4. Over the next nine minutes though the Lady Lions went on a 15-2 run to take a 19-7 lead. Lindenwood did not look back from there. Avila cut the lead to eight before halftime, but that was as close as the Eagles got. 

To start the second half, the Lady Lions went on a 16-3 run to extend the lead up to 21. From that point on Lindenwood cruised to the victory. 

Lindenwood shot 43 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line. The Lions committed 17 turnovers and had 15 assists. 

Leading the way for the Lady Lions was Morgan Harrington who scored 14 points. Sarah Schnieders pitched in with 12 and Caroline Bourlioux scored 10. Marissa Lehnig led the Lady Lions with seven rebounds. 

With the win the Lady Lions improve to 18-8 overall and 13-4 in conference play. Up next for Lindenwood is a road game against Central Methodist.