Box Score The Lindenwood men's basketball team erased a 10-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation against No. 12 Northwest Missouri State on Wednesday night but couldn't finish off the comeback losing in overtime. The Lions dropped their first MIAA conference game 73-66 in Maryville, Mo.

Northwest started the contest sprinting out to a 12-point lead in the first 15 minutes of the game. The Lions were able to cut the lead down to five with just over 90 seconds to play in the opening half before the Bearcats scored the last four points of the half to lead by seven.

The halftime break did not slow down the home team. Northwest started the final half on a 20-9 run to extend its lead up to 18 with 14:06 to play. Lindenwood was able to chip away at the lead but the deficit was still at 10 with just 3:45 left to play. But then Alex Bazzell took over for the Lions.

Bazzell's run started with a jump shot to cut the lead down to eight, then after a Bearcat turnover Bazzell connected on a three to trim the deficit to five. Next up for Bazzell was a steal followed by a layup to cut the Bearcats lead to just three.

Richie Thompson chipped in to help out Bazzell with a couple of free throws to cut the lead to one. Northwest would make one free throw to get its lead back up to two. Then with 12 seconds to go Bazzell was fouled and proceeded to make both free throws to tie the score. Brett Thompson blocked a Bearcat shot with one second remaining to send the game into extra time.

Northwest started the overtime scoring the first six points to take the lead. Lindenwood didn't score its first points of the overtime period until there was just 44 seconds to play. The Lions were able to get within three in the final minute but it was too little too late as the home team closed the game out from the free-throw line.

Bazzell led the team in scoring with 21 points while also grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Cody Sorenson scored 16 points while Richie Thompson scored 12 and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. Brett Thompson blocked a career-high six shots and compiled eight rebounds.

Lindenwood shot just 38 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the three-point line. Northwest won the rebounding battle 47-37 including a 18-12 margin on the offensive glass.

With the loss, the Lions drop to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play. Up next for Lindenwood is the team's first conference home game on Saturday against the Pittsburg State Gorillas.