ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood women's basketball (12-7, 8-2 OVC) gets a clutch basket from Ellie Brueggemann with one second remaining as the Lions secure a 70-68 win over Little Rock (9-10, 7-3 OVC) on Saturday afternoon. The Lions now move into sole possession of second place after an 8-2 start to Ohio Valley Conference play.

Brooke Coffey was effective from the floor shooting 7-10 from the field on her way to 15 points. Coffey has now scored in double-figures in eight of the 10 OVC games including in six of her last seven. She also was able to grab four rebounds and dish out two assists.

Justis Odom was able to get to the free throw line going 9-11 in the contest. She finished with 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds while adding three assists and one steal. Lindenwood out-rebounded the Trojans on the glass 30-23 while assisting on 14 of their 23 made field-goals.

Gracy Wernli was the third Lion to score in double-figures adding 10 points on 3-5 shooting including two threes. Wernli added a career-high six rebounds in the process. All five Lindenwood starters scored at least eight points including nine from Brueggemann who scored the game winner for LU.

As a team, Lindenwood shot 51.1% from the floor going 23-45 from the field and 20-26 from the foul line. Little Rock was held to 39.2% from the floor, making five threes and going 23-28 at the line (82.1%). The Trojans defense forced LU into 17 turnovers resulting in 20 points.

Early in the first quarter, Lindenwood jumped out to an 8-4 lead at the first media timeout. Coffey started the game off with four quick points as they began the game shooting 3-6 from the field. Brueggemann and Coffey combined for 11 of LU's 19 first quarter points as they led 19-13 after one. LU shot 7-14 from the field while holding the Trojans to 26.7% shooting through the first 10 minutes.

After pushing to lead to nine points at the nine minute mark after a three by Coffey, Little Rock made a come-back closing the gap to three points at 27-24. Lindenwood's defense made adjustments going on a 6-2 run to end the half as the Lions led 33-26 through two quarters. Coffey led the Lions with nine points at the break.

The third quarter saw the Trojans close the gap to four points after ending the third on a 9-5 run. Little Rock out-scored the Lions 20-17 in the quarter while limiting the Lions to 5-11 from the field. Lindenwood was able to make it to the foul line in the quarter going 6-8.

With 8:12 remaining, Lindenwood stretch out to their largest lead of the afternoon at 11 points after a pair of free throws by Odom. Little Rock responded on a 14-4 run to take the lead with 2:30 remaining after an and-one by Alaina Payne. Wernli stepped up big-time with a corner three with 1:24 left to give the Lions back the lead at 67-65.

After a miss foul shot by LR's Jordan Holman, Lindenwood caught a break on a broken play which freed up Brueggemann to take a mid-range jumper to seal the game. Lindenwood's foul shooting kept the in the game late as they went 9-10 in the fourth quarter.

Lindenwood will continue this home stretch next week as they take on the Cougars of SIUE on Thursday, Jan. 30th at 5:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.