Box Score The Lindenwood men's basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak and also won its first road game of the season on Saturday afternoon. The Lions beat the Missouri Western Griffons 66-64 in St. Joseph's, Mo.

For most of the first half the Griffons had the lead, pushing it up to as many as six. With just over six minutes to play, the home team had a five point lead. Lindenwood's offense then woke up. The Lions closed the half on an 18-6 run and led but seven at the break.

The Lions would never give the lead back for the rest of the game. The second half started with the visitors pushing the lead up to as many as 11. After gaining the double digit advantage, Lindenwood slowly let Missouri Western crawl back into the game.

The Griffons cut their deficit to four with 1:24 to go and it quickly became a game again. The Lions then increased the advantage back up to six with a pair of free throws. Dareon Jones of Missouri Western hit a three with 25 seconds left to get the Griffons within three.

After a timeout to set up the full court press, Missouri Western gave itself a chance. Tyler Ressel would turn the ball over and Adarius Fulton would end up with a wide open look from three to tie the score. Fortunately, for the Lions the shot would carom off the rim and Lindenwood held on for the win.

The Lions dominated the glass outrebounding the Griffons 40-28. Lindenwood also recorded a season-high nine blocked shots.

Darris Smith led the way for the Lions recording his first double-double of the year with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The junior from St. Louis was seven-for-12 from the field and was a perfect nine-for-nine from the charity stripe.

Garrett Reeg finished one rebound short of a double-double grabbing nine boards and scoring 15 points. He also added two assists and three blocks. Aaron Ramirez dominated the paint on the defensive side of floor recording a career-high five blocks.

The win improved the Lions to 9-13 overall and 4-8 MIAA play. Lindenwood will be back on the road Wednesday night when the team travels to Jefferson, City, Mo. to take on the Lincoln Blue Tigers.