The Lindenwood women's basketball team (5-15, 3-7 OVC) dropped a tough game to Western Illinois (14-6, 5-4 OVC), 75-68 on Thursday evening in Hyland Arena
 
GAME OVERVIEW
The two teams traded buckets early as the score was tied 10-10 at the first media. Western Illinois gained some separation with back-to-back three pointers on ensuing offensive trips to make the score 18-12. The Leathernecks would hold a 24-18 advantage after one.
 
Western Illinois maintained a slim lead throughout the second quarter, leading 36-30 with just under five minutes to go in the half. Both teams went cold from the field, scoring just two points over the next three minutes. However, Lindenwood scored the final four points of the frame and trailed 38-34 at the break. Alyssa Nielsen paced the Lions with eight points through two quarters.
 
Western Illinois held an early 44-38 lead in the third quarter, but back-to-back threes from Mya Skoff and Brueggemann knotted the game up at 44-44 with 6:16 remaining in the third. The seesaw battle continued late into the frame, as Lindenwood grabbed a 49-48 lead after a tough finish by Mykayla Cunningham in the lane. The Leathernecks were able to settle back down and finish the quarter on an 11-6 run to take a 59-55 lead into the fourth.
 
The fourth quarter saw eight lead changes before the halfway point of the frame. A layup by Justis Odom gave Lindenwood a 60-59 lead with 7:13 remaining in the period. The back-and-forth contest continued throughout the fourth with a jumper from Odom giving the Lions a 68-66 lead with under three minutes remaining. The Leathernecks proceeded to go on a 7-0 run to take a 73-68 lead with 59.2 seconds remaining. The Leathernecks iced it at the free throw line and picked up a 75-68 victory.
 
GAME LEADERS
Justis Odom (13 points, six rebounds)
Kaylen Evans (eight points, 4-of-8 shooting)
Alyssa Nielsen (eight points, four rebounds)

QUOTABLE
"I feel like we are putting ourselves in positions to win but we are also taking ourselves out of the position to win games at times", said head coach Amy Eagan. "We need to control the things that are controllable such as making our free throws, Making shots at the rim that we work so hard to get. We have some non-negotiables as a team and failing to execute those hurt us tonight. I expect us to win and we just have to keep working execution and mentality to get it done."

UP NEXT
The Lions will stay at home to take on Tennessee State next Thursday, February 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.