For the first time since the 2000-01 season, the Lindenwood Lady Lions basketball team won a first round game of the HAAC Tournament. Lindenwood outlasted Baker 65-59 at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. on Wednesday night.

Both teams struggled in the first half combining for just 39 points. The Lady Lions shot 31 percent and the Wildcats 32 percent. Baker used a 13-7 run to close the half with a one point lead 20-19.

The Lady Lions came out of the halftime break making their first three out of four shots and a pair of free throws to jump out to a nine point lead. The Lady Lions' lead got to as high as 15 before Baker went on 14-4 run to cut the lead to five with 1:03 to play. Lindenwood hit five of six free throws down the stretch to close out the game and move on to the next round.

After a slow start, the Lady Lions ended the game shooting 42 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line. Lindenwood's defense stifled the Baker offense holding them to 37 percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers.

Morgan Harrington led the way for the Lady Lions with 21 points, which included going 11 for 12 from the free throw line. Abby Schultehenrich chipped in with 10 points and six assists. Kelly Albers led the team in rebounds with eight and Sarah Schnieders led the Lady Lions with three steals.

Up next for the Lady Lions is a semifinal matchup against Avila University on Friday night at the Hyland Arena.