Box Score The Lindenwood men's basketball team was behind as many as 23 in the second half but battled its way back and fell by just six. Nebraska-Kearney beat the Lions 86-80 in the first round of the MIAA Tournament in Kearney, Neb.

The Lopers led for almost the entire game except for two occasions when the game was tied. Nebraska-Kearney finished the first half with a 13-point advantage.

The second half did not start so well for the Lions as the visitors missed their first eight shots and were quickly down by 23 just five minutes in. Even though Lindenwood was trailing by 23 and had not made a shot in over five minutes the team did not give up.

The Lions started to chip away starting with a 19-5 run that cut the Lopers advantage nine points. Garret Reeg hit a three-pointer with 6:34 to go in the game which got Lindenwood the closet it had been in a long time at six.

Nebraska-Kearney then woke up again and pushed its lead back up to 13 points. Once again the Lions tried their best to get back into the game. Darris Smith hit a three with 1:35 to play in the game to get Lindenwood within five but unfortunately that would be as close as the visitors would get.

The Lions shot 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the arc. Nebraska-Kearney won the rebounding battle 36-29. Both teams turn the ball over nine times and compiled 15 assists.

Smith led the way for Lindenwood scoring 21 points. The junior guard played all 40 minutes and did not commit a turnover while dishing out five assists. Reeg scored in double figures with 16 while Zach Biggs scored a career-high 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Lions end the 2013-14 season with a record of 11-19.