The Lindenwood women's basketball team (2-7, 0-0 OVC) dropped a heartbreaker to Evansville (2-7, 0-0 MVC), 70-68 on Saturday in Evansville, Ind.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood led 13-9 at the first media timeout behind a pair of three pointers from Ellie Brueggemann. The Lions forced six turnovers in the first quarter and got some second chance opportunities, pulling down three offensive rebounds. As a team, Lindenwood shot 53 percent from the field in the opening quarter and held a 21-17 lead after one.

It was a slow shooting start for both teams to begin the second quarter as Evansville regained a 25-23 lead at the midway point. Over the next 5:07, Lindenwood went on a 14-2 run to close out the half, which helped them extend its lead. The spurt was fueled by six points from Justis Odom who had a team-high nine after two quarters. In the half, Lindenwood got 15 points from its bench, including seven from Reagan Rapert who was a perfect 2-2 from the field and the line.

Lindenwood maintained a comfortable lead throughout the third quarter. Holding a 44-39 advantage with 5:45 remaining in the period, the Lions went on an 8-0 run, capped off by a layup from Odom. The run pushed the lead to Lindenwood's largest at 52-39. The Lions kept their foot on the gas pedal and would lead 61-45 after three quarters.

Evansville opened the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 61-52. The Purple Aces would continue to chip away at the deficit and take the lead at 68-67 with just over two minutes to go in the game. Evansville closed out the game and picked up the 70-68 win.

GAME LEADERS
Justis Odom (17 pts, 7-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds)
Mykayla Cunningham (12 points, 5-of-7 shooting, two rebounds, two assists)
Reagan Rapert (11 points, 4-of-5 shooting, one assist)

UP NEXT
The Lions will close out non-conference play next Thursday, December 21 at Minnesota. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.