The Lindenwood men's basketball team (10-8, 10-8 GLVC) won its third overtime game this season, earning a 116-109 victory over McKendree (9-7, 9-7 GLVC) on Saturday inside Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo.  Senior TJ Crockett scored a program-best 54 points, which was previously held by Cory Arentsen who scored 46 points in 2016.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood found itself in a 14-7 hole nearly six minutes into the game.  The Lions chipped away at the deficit for the next two minutes, and a three-pointer by Crockett at the 12:32 mark tie things up at 18-18.  Less than a minutes later, Crockett hit another deep shot to put the Lions in front by three.  Lindenwood built a lead as large as five in the first half, but the Bearcats took the lead at the break with two late free throws.
 
Crockett was 7-of-11 from the field in the first half, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc for 21 points.  Cameron Scales knocked down three triples, and compiled 11 points at the break.  Brandon Trimble was efficient with his four attempts, as he hit three of his four shots taken for a total of 10 points.  Lindenwood was 50 percent from the field in the first half, but struggled to slow the 58.6 percent shooting from McKendree.
 
The two squads battled evenly from the majority of the second half, before Mason Gaze hit a corner three to put the Lions up 78-71 at the 5:13 mark.  Gaze came back down the floor no more than 30 seconds later to take another three attempt.  The shot did not fall, but Gaze was fouled in the process and hit all three of his free throws to give Lindenwood an 81-71 lead.  The Lions held a one-point lead late in the game, but a free-throw by McKendree with one minute to go tied the game which led to overtime.
 
McKendree held a three point lead at the 1:47 mark of the first overtime, and held on to the advantage in the late seconds.  On the last possession for the Lions, Crockett was unable to hit his shot with four second remaining, but Romelo Burrell was there for one of the most important offensive rebounds of the game.  Burrell found Scales at the top of the arc, and the senior buried it to tie the game at 100-100 and kept the game alive.
 
In the second overtime, the Lions and Bearcats were on fumes, but still battling.  Lindenwood was able to take a three-point lead with 1:34 remaining after Scales knocked down back-to-back free throws.  After the Bearcats made just one of two free throws, Crockett hit the 50-point mark on his bucket with 55 seconds to go.  With the Lions ahead 113-109 and less than 30 seconds to go in the game, Crockett jumped the in-bounds pass to put the Lions up six with little time remaining.  Scales added a free throw late to secure the 116-109 double-overtime victory.
 
Lindenwood celebrated its two seniors, Crockett and Scales on Saturday.  The pair had arguably their best games in a Lindenwood uniform.  Crockett set the single-game scoring record with his 54 points, while Scales notched his third double-double of his career with 21 points and 14 rebounds.  Lindenwood won its third overtime game this season, the most for the Lions in a single season.

QUOTABLE
"What a tremendous win for our program tonight," said head coach Kyle Gerdeman.  "An incredible effort from both teams against a very good McKendree team.  Not only did we get a win on senior night, but we are continuing to fight for a tournament spot, so this was a big win for us.  The group has continued to develop and they never stop competing, that's all you can ask for as a coach.  We are extremely happy for TJ and Cam, not only to get a win on senior night, but to step up as seniors and make tons of plays for us, that's a special feeling."
 
GAME LEADERS
TJ Crockett (54 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK)
Cameron Scales (21 PTS, 14 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK)
Brandon Trimble (18 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST)
 
UP NEXT
Lindenwood will close out the regular season on February 27, when the Lions head to Indianapolis, Ind. to take on UIndy at 3:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. central).