Lindenwood University Athletics

The Lindenwood men's basketball team used a strong defensive effort to win its season opener on Friday evening in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. The Lions won the first game of the MIAA/NSIC Classic with a 62-44 victory over Bemidji State.
 
The Lions allowed Bemidji State to shoot just 32.1 percent for the game, including four-of-25 from three-point range. Lindenwood also forced 17 turnovers as it held an opponent to its lowest point total since the 2009-10 season.
 
Both teams started off slow offensively, with the first points coming nearly four minutes into the game. Jackson Price hit a three-pointer for Lindenwood's first points of the season, and it sparked an 8-0 run. The Beavers got within two at 19-17, but the Lions scored the final eight points of the half for a 27-17 lead at the break.
 
Lindenwood shot just 36.7 percent in the first 20 minutes, but got its offense going in the final half. The Lions extended their lead to 20 eight minutes in the final half, and never looked back from there. They shot over 50 percent in the final half, as the Lions worked the ball inside more, and also got to the free-throw line 14 times.
 
Dominique Dobbs had a huge game in his Lindenwood debut. The true freshman had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 60 percent from the field and seven-of-nine from the free-throw line. He also blocked a team-high two shots.
 
LJ McIntosh hit three three-pointers in the game and finished with 11 points. Chandler Diekvoss and Jackson Price each had eight points, and Brenon Larson-Gulsvig had seven points. Adam Pohlman dished out five assists.
 
Lindenwood concludes play in the tournament on Saturday afternoon with a 3 p.m. game against Minnesota Duluth.