The Lindenwood women's basketball (11-16) season came to an end on Monday, as the Lions lost a close game to Rockhurst (16-11) by a 68-64 margin in overtime in the first round of the GLVC Championship Tournament in Kansas City, Mo.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood was down 9-4 early in the game, but Paige Craft knocked won a three pointer to bring the deficit to two points at the 3:58 mark of the first quarter.  With less than a minute to go, Mary McGrath drained a three-point shot to give the Lions a 10-9 advantage.  Lindenwood continued to play strong defense in the second quarter, and got to work in the offensive zone.  Alana Striverson gave the Lions a 17-12 lead at the halfway point of the second quarter, as they took a 23-16 lead into the half.
 
Julia Ruzevich opened the third quarter with a steal and a layup to make it a nine-point lead in the first 31 seconds.  Lindenwood utilized free throws to maintain its lead, but a bucket by Rockhurst as time expired made it a 35-28 ballgame heading into the final quarter of regulation.
 
The Lions got hot at the 7:13 mark, as Striverson hit another shot from behind the arc.  Ruzevich hit a layup before Ellen McCorkle gave the Lions a 12-point lead with 5:20 to go in the fourth quarter.  The Hawks chipped away at the Lindenwood lead and tied the game with five seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.  The Lions had the early lead in the extra period, but Rockhurst battled back to win the game 68-64.
 
Ruzevich had one of the best nights of her career, dropping 35 points and pulling down 20 rebounds.  Striverson had a double-double as well with 10 points and 11 boards.
 
GAME LEADERS
Julia Ruzevich (35 PTS, 20 REB, 6 BLK, 3 STL, 1 AST)
Alana Striverson (10 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL)
Hennessey Handy (4 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST)