Box Score The Lindenwood women's basketball team dropped the first of two contests at the Saint Leo Invitational on Friday evening. The Lady Lions fell to Tampa by a score of 76-43.

The Lady Lions fell behind early in the first half to Tampa and never could recover. Tampa went on a 22-5 run in the middle of the first half that put them up 27-9 with just over nine minutes remaining. Lindenwood cut the lead to 12 at one point after a pair of free throws by Sonya Milford, but the Spartans would end the first half on a 7-3 run making it a 16 point game at halftime.

Turnovers plagued the Lady Lions throughout the contest. Tampa capitalized by scoring 29 points off of 27 turnovers by the Lady Lions. Lindenwood scored 14 points off of 19 turnovers by the Spartans.

Tampa's momentum from the first half carried them through the second, as they outscored the Lady Lions 39-22.

Lindenwood shot just 30 percent from the floor and 31 percent from beyond the arc. Tampa outrebounded Lindenwood 36-30 in the game.

Meagan Hittle led the Lady Lions offensively, collecting 12 points with two rebounds. Milford and freshman Emily Alfrey each recorded four boards a piece.

The Lady Lions fall to 1-1 for the year. Lindenwood will wrap up the Saint Leo Invitational tomorrow evening with a contest against Saint Leo. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m central time.