ST. CHARLES, MO. - The Lindenwood women's basketball team secured their first Division I victory in program history on Saturday afternoon by defeating UT Martin 84-75.

"This win feels amazing," said Head Coach Katie Falco. "We have continued to believe that our time would come! We have responded so gracefully to the endless adversity we have faced. This D1 win represents more than words can describe. I am so proud of our players and coaches. We are going to enjoy this one!" 

GAME OVERVIEW
Things were back and forth throughout the first quarter of play, with both teams remaining within a few points of one another for the majority of the time. The Lions started off their shooting hot, however, compiling a first-quarter shooting percentage of 54.5% from the floor as a team. Lindenwood also hit 3-6 of their three pointers for a 50% team percentage outside the arc.

The offense just kept on rolling for the home team, who would carry a 43-41 lead into halftime after an outstanding 83.3% from the floor and 75% from behind the three-point line. The Lions edged the Skyhawks in virtually every statistical category by the conclusion of the first half, out-rebounding the visiting quad 14-12 and compiling 13 total assists as a group as opposed to UT Martin's five total. 

The third quarter looked equally as strong for the Lions, who outpaced the Skyhawks 28-20. The Lions compiled another high shooting percentage from the floor with their 69.2% as a team while also draining 5-9 of their three pointers while UT Martin went 0-6 from outside the arc. Multiple Lions players heated up this quarter, including Masyn McWilliams, who would end the day with both a personal and team-high 25 points. The graduate transfer set the new standard offensively for the Lions with this stat, surpassing the previous game-high number of points this season, which was achieved by Alana Striverson's 24-point effort against Morehead. 

Lindenwood had a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, up 71-61, and that lead would stand throughout the entirety of the fourth quarter. Each time UT Martin would attempt to close in on the Lions, they held them off with ease, creating more distance offensively as the clock ran out.

Along with McWilliams' milestone performance, Mary McGrath reached the double-double mark for the third time this season and second game in a row with her 16 points and 10 rebounds. The sophomore had arguably her most well-rounded stat line of the season so far with her two assists, four steals and three blocks as well, being a key piece in the Lions' success this game. Devin Fuhring also contributed in multiple categories with her 16 point, eight assist game. 

Striverson and Emily Benzschawel also scored in double figures today for the Lions, also being key parts of Lindenwood's offensive dominance all game long. 

GAME LEADERS
Masyn McWilliams - 25 P, 5 RB, 3 A, 1 ST
Mary McGrath - 16 P, 10 RB, 2 A, 4 ST, 3 BLK
Devin Fuhring - 16 P, 2 RB, 8 A, 1 BLK

UP NEXT
The Lions will be back in Hyland Arena on Thursday, February 9 for a matchup with SIUE that will start at 11:00 a.m. for Education Day.