The Lindenwood men's basketball team (12-14, 8-10 GLVC) earned a 78-74 win over McKendree (13-10, 9-10 GLVC) on Wednesday night in Lebanon, Ill.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
The Lions jumped out to an 18-11 lead at the 11:08 mark of the first half.  Less than a minute later, Jacoby Ross brought the lead to double digits with a three-point bucket.  The Bearcats chipped away at the Lindenwood lead throughout the remainder of the half.  The Lions held just a one-point lead at the break, as they shot 45.5 percent from the field.
 
Ross had a team-high 14 points at the half, while Brandon Suggs pulled down seven boards.  Both teams scored a significant number of points in the paint, as the Lions were able to get eight points off turnovers committed by the Bearcats.
 
Kevin Caldwell Jr. opened the second half with a tough three-point play to spark the offensive production.  McKendree tied the game at 51-51 with 13:45 to play in the game, but the Lions picked up the pace.  Just 10 seconds later, Ross registered a three-point play, and Romelo Burrell notched a second-chance layup in the paint to bring the lead back to five points.
 
Ross knocked down a three pointer with 11:51 on the clock, but McKendree stuck around.  Lindenwood continued to battle and took a 67-60 lead with less than eight minutes to go in the game.  McKendree clawed back to a two-point deficit with 45 seconds remaining, but the Lions stayed calm.  Caldwell Jr. and Burrell made the necessary shots to end the comeback attempt by the Bearcats.
 
GAME LEADERS
Jacoby Ross (24 PTS, 6 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL)
Romelo Burrell (15 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK)
Brandon Suggs (9 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK)
 
QUOTABLE
"I'm so happy for our team, and specifically our seniors," said head coach Kyle Gerdeman.  "We have talked a lot about what this time of year means, and to enjoy each day.  This team has always tried to play for 40 minutes, which we did it again tonight, and it's a good feeling."
 
UP NEXT
Lindenwood will host UIndy on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. inside Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo.