The Lindenwood used a strong defensive effort in the second half for a come-from-behind win over Minnesota Duluth on Saturday afternoon in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. The Lions defeated the Bulldogs by a 69-61 score on the final day of the MIAA/NSIC Classic.
Minnesota Duluth shot lights out in the first 20 minutes, hitting 53.8 percent of its shots from the field. Meanwhile, the Lions made just 33 percent of its shots. The result was the Bulldogs leading by as many as 11 points late in the half, and them having a 39-32 lead at the break.
Lindenwood quickly cut into that lead in the second half. The Lions went on an 8-0 run, sparked by a three-pointer by
Jackson Price. The game was close midway through the period, with Lindenwood holding a 53-52 lead with 9:45 left. The Lions defense took over then, forcing seven straight missed field-attempts, and holding the Bulldogs with a field goal for over seven minutes. Lindenwood went on a 10-1 run during that span, and held a comfortable lead for the rest of the game.
"I really like the way we responded to start the second half," said head coach
Lance Randall. "A great team defensive effort turned momentum in our favor, and we held them to just 22 percent shooting from the floor for the second half.
Lindenwood finished the game shooting 41.5 percent, including making half of its shots in the second half. The Lions also turned the ball over just five times. Minnesota Duluth finished shooting under 40 percent from the field. Lindenwood went to the free-throw line 12 more times, and converted seven more shots from the line.
Diekvoss led the second-half comeback after nearly having a double-double in the final 20 minutes. He had 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the second half. He finished the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
Jackson Price,
Brad Newman, and
Dominique Dobbs all had 10 points.
Adam Pohlman had 10 rebounds, and
Dominique Dobbs had four blocks.
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Chandler Diekvoss was a beast on offense," said Randall. "I though Dominique, Brad, and Adam really set the tone defensively for us.
TJ Crockett made some big plays again off the bench.
Lindenwood improves to 2-0 on the season. The Lions will travel to Kirksville, Mo. this Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game against Truman, a NCAA Tournament squad a year ago.
"I am very pleased with this group coming up on the road and getting two huge in-region wins to start the season," said Randall.
