Box Score The Lindenwood Lions survived a first-round scare from Minot State in the opening game of the 2011-12 NCAA Transitional National Championship. The Lions had to come from behind in the final four minutes to win 65-54 on Thursday night in Spearfish, S.D.  

The first 10 minutes of the contest was back-and-forth, with four ties in that span. Over the final two minutes, the Lions went on a run to end the half leading 30-27. Lindenwood struggled shooting the ball making just 34 percent of its shots.

The second half started with the Lions pushing their advantage up to seven. But right back came Minot State going on a 10-0 run to take a three-point lead with six minutes to play.

Over the next five minutes, Lindenwood found its stroke from three-point range. Cody Sorenson and Tyler Ressell both connected on two threes and catapulted the Lions to a seven-point lead. Kramer Soderberg closed out the win for Lindenwood from the free-throw line making six-of-six free throws.

Lindenwood shot 43 percent from the field and 36 percent from behind the three-point arc. The Lions forced the Beavers into 15 turnovers.

Kramer Soderberg led the way for the Lions scoring 30 points. Sorenson was second on the team with nine points and led the way with six rebounds.

Lindenwood improved its record to 27-3 with the win. Up next for the Lions is the championship game against Sioux Falls, South Dakota School of Mines, or Black Hills State on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Spearfish, S.D.