ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood men's basketball (1-1, 0-0 OVC) picked up their first win of the 2024-25 season against UHSP (1-0, 0-0 AMC) by a final score of 98-30. The Lions held the Eutectics to 20.8% from the floor while Lindenwood shot 69.4%.

"It is always good to get that first win," said head coach Kyle Gerdeman. "I think we did it in a way that we can be proud of as a team. We played with a lot of purpose for 40 minutes which was important tonight. We saw a good improvement from Monday to tonight."

Lindenwood's field-goal percentage of 69.4% marked the highest by a Lions team in the NCAA era (post 2012-13). The previous record was held by the 2014-15 squad when the Lions shot 68.3% from the field. Lindenwood also made 43 baskets which was the most in a single game since the 2017-2018 season (45). All 12 Lions who played tonight scored.

Thursday night saw five Lindenwood players enter double-figures including a game-high 14 from freshman Jadis Jones. Jones has now started his career with back-to-back double-digit scoring efforts (10 points at Oklahoma). He shot a perfect 7-7 from the field while grabbing five rebounds and two steals.

Jaylon McDaniel and Nathan Johnson Jr. both added 13 points each including a perfect 5-5 from McDaniel. Anias Futrell also added another 12 points and four rebounds while Markeith Browning II added 11 points and three steals. The last time the Lions had five double-digit scorers was last season at UT Martin (2/22/24).

Lindenwood was active on defense holding UHSP to just 11 made shots. The Lions out-rebounded the Eutectics 39-25 and caused 26 turnovers and 19 steals. Their 19 steals were also the most by a team in the Division I era and most since 2017-18 (20). Nine different Lions had a steal including four from Colin Ruffin.

Ruffin was all over the floor on Thursday night inside Hyland Arena tailing eight points, six assists, four steals and three rebounds. As a unit, the Lions had 23 assists which marked their most since 2022-23 when LU had 26 vs. East-West University at home.

Lindenwood scored 48 points off turnovers compared to just seven by UHSP. The Lions were dominant in the paint scoring 72 of their 98 points down low. Defense turned into offense tonight as Lindenwood scored 35 points on the fast-break.

The first half saw Lindenwood jump out to a comfortable 17-6 lead after the Lions started the game shooting 7-10 from the field. McDaniel scored an early six points down low. Lindenwood scored 12 of their first 17 points in the paint.

Jones became the first Lion into double-figures with 6:29 remaining in the first half. Lindenwood led by 20 under the seven minute mark. During the first half, the Lions shot 68.8% from the floor while holding UHSP to 27.6%. UHSP ran their offense through the three-point line, but LU limited their chances as they shot 4-16 from deep.

Coming out of the break, Lindenwood jumped out to a 10-1 run while shooting a perfect 4-4 from the floor. McDaniel picked up where he left off in the first half scoring two quick buckets to get him to 13 points on the night. UHSP was held to an 0-5 shooting to start the second period.

Lindenwood forced 13 turnovers in both halves. The Lions took care of business limiting UHSP to 12.5% shooting in the second half with just three made field-goals. It marked the lowest point total allowed in a half in Lindenwood history (NCAA era).

The Lions will be back in action next week when they travel to Robert Morris to compete at the Urban-Bennett Invitational. Lindenwood will face-off against New Orleans, RMU and Stonehill over a four-day period starting Thursday, Nov. 14th. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.