The Lindenwood women's basketball team (9-4, 1-1 OVC) gets back into conference play with a matchup against Morehead State (5-8, 0-2 OVC) on New Year's Day. Tip-off from Hyland Arena is set for 1:00 p.m.
 
Lindenwood picked up its second-straight win in its last time out, a 71-36 victory over Ottawa on Monday. Alyssa Nielsen led the way with a game-high 14 points, which was one off her season high, which she had against Harris-Stowe in the season-opener. She also grabbed a season-high seven rebounds in the game. With the win, the Black and Gold are off to their best start in the Division I era.
 
Nielsen wasn't the only one who was productive off the bench as the reserves totaled 48 points, the second highest number of the season. Aalayah Wilson had seven points, her most in a game this season. Valerie Norwood stuffed the stat sheet while playing a career-high 28 minutes and finished the game with six points, three assists, and a season-high seven boards.
 
It was a slow start for the Lions who only led by 11 at halftime. Lindenwood outscored Ottawa 38-14 in the second half to get some separation and earn the win. Lindenwood turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Braves to just four made field goals across the final 20 minutes of play. They also forced 25 turnovers for the second consecutive game, which led to 29 points.
 
Overall, Ottawa made just 12 field goals, and 36 points in the game, both the second lowest total against Lindenwood this season. The Lions are 7-0 in games that they allow 50 points or less. On the year, the Black and Gold are holding teams to just under 40 percent shooting from the field (39.6) and allowing under 61 points per game (60.9).
 
Lindenwood also dominated the painted area against the Braves, allowing a season-low six points in the paint, while getting 20 of its own. The Lions had a +15 rebounding margin on the glass, outrebounding Ottawa, 44-29. The Black and Gold have grabbed more rebounds than their opponent in seven of nine wins this season.
 
The Lions have won the last two meetings against the Eagles, both coming in the 2024-25 season. During the last matchup, a 68-61 victory, Mya Skoff dropped 20 points. Following this game, Lindenwood will close out a three-game homestand in a matchup with Southern Indiana on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.

NUMBERS TO KNOW
31: Lindenwood was able to get to the free throw line in the win against the Braves, attempting a season-high 31. They also made 24, the most in a game this season
24.5: The Lions held Ottawa to just 24.5 percent shooting from the field, the second-lowest percentage of the season. The Braves had just 12 field goals in the game
25: The Black and Gold forced 25 turnovers for the second straight game which tied a season high. Those 25 turnovers led to 29 Lindenwood points