The Lindenwood women's basketball team (1-6, 0-0 OVC) picked up win number one of the season on Thursday night, defeating Eastern Michigan (1-6, 0-0 MAC) by a score of 71-64.

GAME OVERVIEW
It was an evenly matched first 10 minutes with both teams making five field goals in the opening quarter. Kaliyah Sain came out hot, knocking down a pair of three pointers in the opening frame, but Lindenwood trailed by one, 15-14 heading to the second.

Lindenwood opened the second quarter with a quick 6-2 run, capped off by a Celina Arnlund layup which forced an Eastern Michigan timeout. The Lions pushed their lead to eight at 27-19, capped off by another Sain three. Lindenwood's defense was solid in the quarter, holding the Eagles to just two field goals and they would take a slim three-point lead into halftime.

It was a back and forth third quarter as each team traded buckets throughout. Lindenwood was able to gain some separation late in the frame after back-to-back threes by Ellie Brueggemann pushed the Lions lead to 46-41. As a team, Lindenwood shot 50 percent in the frame.

The Lions were able to maintain a slim lead throughout the fourth quarter and seal the game with clutch shooting at the free throw line, going 11-of-13 from the charity stripe as a unit. This gave Lindenwood a 71-64 win and sealed the first victory for head coach Amy Eagan.

GAME LEADERS
Ellie Brueggemann (18 points, four rebounds)
Mya Skoff (11 points, two rebounds)
Alyssa Nielsen (10 points, five rebounds)

QUOTABLE
"Really proud of my players and staff!," exclaimed Eagan.  "Our players have allowed us to coach them hard in practice to get them to this point even if they were not seeing immediate gratification. That says a lot about their character! We still have a lot of things to continue to get better at, but we are going to enjoy this one tonight."

UP NEXT
Lindenwood welcomes Harris-Stowe for an 11:00 a.m. tip inside Hyland Arena on Monday, December 11.