The Lindenwood men's basketball team led Big East's Marquette at halftime, and stayed with the Golden Eagles throughout the second half in exhibition play on Saturday. The Lions eventually fell by an 81-79 score in Milwaukee, Wis.
 
The Lions came out on fire in the first half, shooting over 60 percent from the field and from three-point range. Lindenwood took an early lead at 16-9 after an 8-0 run sparked by three-pointers by TJ Crockett and Jackson Price. The Lions never gave up that lead, and another three-pointer by Crockett in the final seconds gave the team a 42-37 halftime lead.
 
Lindenwood extended its lead to 11 early in the second half and had a 54-43 advantage at one point. A 10-0 run by the Golden Eagles got one of last year's NCAA Tournament programs back into the game, and they took the lead at the 9:17 mark.
 
Marquette extended its lead to eight with 5:09 left in the game before the Lions made one more run. Lindenwood got within two on four separate occasions, including at the 1:02 mark. The Lions forced a turnover, but Lindenwood's attempt to tie the game with nine seconds left was off the mark. The two teams traded points, before a Marquette turnover gave Lindenwood a final shot. The Lions three-pointer for the win was just off the front of the rim at the buzzer.
 
Lindenwood finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the field, and it made 14-of-26 three-pointers. Marquette shots 48.2 percent on the day, and made just four-of-20 three-pointers. The Golden Eagles had an advantage in the paint, outscoring Lindenwood 40-20. Marquette also went to the free-throw line 21 more times, and made 18 shots from the line.
 
Brad Newman led the Lions with 19 points, and Jackson Price had 16. Both players had four three-pointers. Chandler Diekvoss also had 16 point as he made six-of-11 from the field. Adam Pohlman had a team-high five rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
 
Among newcomers, TJ Crockett hit three shots from beyond the arc and had 11 points. Drew Moore hit both three-pointers he attempted and had six points. Diego Womack finished with two points.
 
Lindenwood starts the season next Friday and Saturday at the MIAA/NSIC Classic in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.