The Lindenwood women's basketball team (2-9, 0-1 OVC) dropped a close game to Southern Indiana (7-5, 2-0 OVC) by a score of 71-68 in the conference opener.

GAME OVERVIEW
Both teams opened the game with hot shooting starts, knocking down at least 50 percent of their shots in the opening frame. Trailing 13-6, Ellie Brueggemann hit back-to-back three pointers to cut the deficit to just one. USI would extend its lead to 22-17 after one quarter.

The Screaming Eagles maintained a slim lead throughout the second quarter. Lindenwood was able to cut into the lead at the free throw line, going 4-of-6 at the charity stripe. At the break, the Lions trailed 34-33 and were led by Brueggemann who had 11 points at the break.

Lindenwood grabbed its first lead of the game after a layup by Makayla Wallace opened the scoring to begin the third quarter. A few minutes later, Mary McGrath knocked down a jumper to give Lindenwood its largest lead at 40-37. USI responded, going on a 6-0 run to regain the lead. The visitors would hold a 53-49 advantage after three.

The Lions kept battling in the fourth and clawed back. Trailing by seven with two minutes to go, Justis Odom converted an and-one to make the score 69-65. Lindenwood got a stop and on the next offensive possession, McGrath drilled a corner three, cutting the deficit to one at 69-68. On the ensuing possession, Makayla Wallace got a steal but was unable to capitalize. USI would make two free throws to go up 71-68. On the final possession, McGrath got a good look, but her shot would come up short as Lindenwood would fall 71-68.

GAME LEADERS
Mya Skoff (16 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals)
Makayla Wallace (seven points, six assists, four steals)
Ellie Brueggemann (14 points, four threes)

QUOTABLE
"I'm so proud of the fight our ladies had from the tip to the final buzzer," said head coach Amy Eagan. "It is evident we are battling and getting better in the midst of a lot of adversity. There were so many teaching points throughout this game, and what excites me is how much our ladies want to keep learning and growing. The university did a tremendous job of building a game day atmosphere and our team is very appreciative of the support we felt today from them and the community!"


UP NEXT
Lindenwood will hit the road for a matchup with Western Illinois on Saturday in Macomb, Ill. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.