The Lindenwood men's basketball team (5-5, 5-5 GLVC) could not complete the comeback on Thursday night, as the Lions fell to Illinois Springfield (5-3, 5-3 GLVC) by a final of 82-76 in Springfield, Ill.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
The Prairie Stars took a seven-point lead by the 16:15 mark of the first half, but as they have all season, the Lions began to claw back.  Lindenwood remained within striking distance throughout the first half, and eventually took a 25-23 lead after an Anthony Christian bucket in the paint.  Vijay Blackmon hit a three pointer with less than 30 seconds to go in the half, but a late jumper by the Prairie Stars resulted in just a two-point lead for the Lions at the break.
 
Lindenwood shot a strong 48.1 percent in the first 20 minutes of play, and compiled seven steals by six different players.  The Lions had three players score in double digits, including Christian who also snagged six rebounds.
 
The Lions and Prairie Stars battled back and forth in the first five minutes of the second half, but Illinois Springfield went on a 10-0 run to take a 53-44 lead with 13:50 to go in the game.  With less than nine minutes remaining, the Prairie Stars held a 15-point lead, but again the Lions proved it was not safe enough.
 
Lindenwood balanced its attack, and with the help of 11 points from TJ Crockett, the Lions regained a one-point lead with 1:28 left in the game.  Lindenwood and Illinois Springfield traded buckets, but a three pointer by the Prairie Stars with 40 seconds remaining shifted the momentum and the Lions could not overcome the second half deficit.
 
QUOTABLE
"It's always tough to fight all the way back and not be able to pull off the win," said head coach Kyle Gerdeman.  "But, that's life on the road in this league.  I'm proud of our group and how they have developed a mentality to never quit.  Now we focus on our continued improvement on both ends of the court, and get ready for a tough game on Saturday against Quincy."
 
GAME LEADERS
TJ Crockett (26 PTS, 6 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK)
Anthony Christian (15 PTS, 10 REB, 2 STL)
Vijay Blackmon (18 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL)
 
UP NEXT
The Lions will host Quincy on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. inside Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo.