The Lindenwood men's basketball team fell in an early hole on Monday night at Hyland Arena and could not come back in a 66-59 loss to Central Oklahoma. 

After an even first five minutes of the game, the Bronchos went on a 15-5 run to take a 10-point lead. The Lions cut that lead to one with 37 seconds left in the half, but a late three-pointer by Central Oklahoma led them take the momentum and a 33-29 lead into the break.

The Lions had several chances to tie or take the lead early in the second half but could not get a key basket to fall. Lindenwood went nearly eight minutes without a field goal and the Bronchos increased their lead to 49-41. The Lions had one more run and got within two at 53-51 with 3:42 remaining, but Central Oklahoam got a tip-in and three-pointer to pull away for good.

Lindenwood held Central Oklahoma to just 37.9 percent shooting from the field, but the Bronchos hit 11 three-pointers and shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc. The Lions shot just 38.5 percent from the field and they made just five three-pointers in 22 attempts. Lindenwood also had seven more turnovers in the game.

Cory Arentsen led the offense with 26 points, including five three-pointers. He also had two assists which led the team. Stanislas Heili had 14 points on six-of-nine shooting. Zachary Biggs led the team with 12 rebounds, and Heili also collected nine rebounds and five blocks. Logan Jaehnen led the team with three steals.

Lindenwood falls to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in MIAA play. The Lions are back in action at Hyland Arena on Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. game against Missouri Western.