The Lindenwood Lady Lions basketball team clinched at least second place in the conference standings after beating the Central Methodist Eagles 82-69 Thursday night in Fayette, Mo.
The Lady Lions had their best all-around shooting night against the Eagles. Lindenwood shot 56 percent from the field, 63 percent from behind the arc, and 94 percent from the free throw line.
In the first half, both teams stayed close to each other with the largest lead being just six by the Lady Lions midway through the first 20 minutes. The visitors shot 50 percent in the half, including 80 percent from behind the three point line, and a perfect four for four from the charity stripe.
To start the final half the Lady Lions made their first five out of six shots to extend the lead to 10. Lindenwood extended that lead to as many as 19 and rolled to the 13 point win.
The Lady Lions shot very well in the first half, but the second was even better. Lindenwood shot 63 percent from the field and made 11 of 12 from the free throw line. For the 15th consecutive game, the Lady Lions outrebounded their opponent. Against Central Methodist, the Lady Lions grabbed eight more boards, including 10 more on the defense side.
Three Lady Lions scored in double-figures led by Sarah Schnieders who scored 21 points. Kelly Albers recorded her conference leading ninth double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Abby Schultenhenrich pitched in with 15, which is her season-high.
The win is the sixth in a row for the Lady Lions and is the second time this season the team has gone on a six-game win streak. Lindenwood is now 19-8 overall and 14-4 in HAAC play. The Lady Lions will go for their 20th win of the season Saturday afternoon against MidAmerica Nazarene on the road in Olathe, Kan.
