The Lindenwood men's basketball team completed an unbeaten homestand with an 81-76 victory over Maryville on Saturday afternoon from Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. The Lions have now won five straight games dating back to mid-December, matching the program's longest winning streak since December of 2017. With the win, Lindenwood improves its record to 8-3 on the season and 2-1 against GLVC opponents.

GAME OVERVIEW
The visiting Saints got out to an early 14-8 lead over the Lions over the first six minutes of play. Lindenwood managed to trim the Maryville lead to just one point on numerous occasions throughout the first half, but was unable to ever pull even with the Saints.

Anthony Christian connected on a jumper inside the paint with 1:44 remaining in the first half, bringing the Lions within three points of the Saints at 36-33. Maryville closed out the final minutes of the opening period on a 4-0 run, and carried a 40-33 lead into halftime.

The Maryville lead grew to as many as 10 points with just over 19 minutes left in the game, as the Saints held a 45-35 lead over the Lions. With 18:59 showing on the clock, Vijay Blackmon knocked down a three-pointer which ignited the Lindenwood offense and sparked the team on a 16-0 run over the next 4:56 of play. The scoring run turned a 10-point deficit into a six-point lead for the Lions, who took control of the game at 51-45. During its scoring run, Lindenwood was 6-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc. The Lions forced three turnovers by the Saints during that time, and did not allow them to make any of their five field-goal attempts.

A Cameron Scales three-point field-goal followed by a Kace Kitchel layup on back-to-back possessions with under nine minutes remaining in the half gave Lindenwood a 66-55 lead. The Lions saw their second-half lead swell to as many as 12 points at 76-64 with 4:02 left in regulation.

Maryville showed its resiliency, battling back to slice the Lindenwood lead just a single point with 19 seconds left in the game. The Saints used a 12-1 run to get themselves back into the game.

Blackmon came through in crunch time for the Lions, hitting all four of his free throws down the stretch, helping Lindenwood to hold off Maryville by a final score of 81-76.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- For the second consecutive game, Anthony Christian paced the Lindenwood offense. Christian finished the afternoon with a career-high 21 points (9-of-14 FG).
- Three other Lions scored in double figures during the game, led by a 14-point performance from Luka Radosevic (6-of-8 FG).
- Radosevic secured a team-high six rebounds, including three offensive boards.
- Blackmon and TJ Crockett each finished the game with 13 points apiece.
- Crockett led the team and matched his career-high with six assists.
- Lindenwood held the edge on the glass, out-rebounding Maryville by a 31-29 margin. As a team, the Lions collected 12 offensive rebounds.
- During its five-game winning streak, Lindenwood has out-rebounded its opponent in every game, and the team is a perfect 6-0 this season when having the edge down low.

QUOTABLE
Head coach Kyle Gerdeman
"I'm happy that our guys get to see their hard work pay off with a win today," said Gerdeman. We knew Maryville was a good team that was well coached. I thought that we adjusted to their zone a little bit as the game went on, but more than anything, I thought our focused team effort got it done over 40 minutes. From offense to defense and just trying to make the right plays, I thought it was as good of a group effort that we have had all year."

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will begin a three-game road swing on Thursday evening in Bolivar, Mo. versus the Southwest Baptist Bearcats. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.