The Lindenwood Lady Lions basketball team started its 2014-15 season with a thrilling 70-68 win over the Arkansas-Monticello Blossoms on Friday night in St. Charles.
 
After starting the contest scoring the game's first four points the Lady Lions allowed the Blossoms to score eight straight points. Trailing by four, Lindenwood answered back regaining the lead with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half.
 
Over the next five minutes, the Lions would go on a 17-3 run to take a 13-point lead with 4:20 to play in the opening half.  When it looked like Lindenwood would start to run away with the game, Arkansas-Monticello came right back and cut its deficit to just two heading into the locker room.
 
After the break, the Blossoms did not lost the momentum they gained at the end of the first half. The visitors started the half scoring the first 32 of  50 points to take a seven point advantage.
 
After head coach Tony Francis called a timeout to snap the momentum the Lady Lions went on a 14-4 run to take a five-point advantage. During the run, Lindenwood hit three straight threes on three straight possessions.
 
The Lady Lions would push their lead up to six with just over five minutes to play but the Blossoms would not give up. Arkansas-Monticello would score eight straight points in a 1:30 span to take the lead with 4:19 to play.
 
Trailing by two Lindenwood's Vanessa Zailo was fouled and tied the score up making two free throws. For the next three minutes, neither team could buy a basket.
 
Finally, with 50 seconds to go Jenny Rocha hit a jump shot to give the home team a two-point lead. Once again, right back came the Blossoms when Nikki Mullen hit a layup.
 
On the next possession, the Lady Lions ran the shot clock down and gave senior Morgan Johnson the ball. Johnson hit a running jumper with seven seconds to go in the game to give the home team the lead.  The Blossoms had one last chance but a jumper at the buzzer did not go and Lindenwood held on for the win.
 
Gengenbacher led the way in scoring for the Lady Lions scoring 18 points. Johnson chipped in with 13 while Zailo dominated the glass grabbing 18 rebounds.
 
As a team the Lady Lions shot 42 percent form the field and 47 percent from behind the arc. Lindenwood dominated the glass outrebounding the Blossoms 44-34.
 
The Lady Lions started its season with a win for the first time in three years. Up next for Lindenwood is another home game on Tuesday night against Missouri Baptist.