The Lindenwood Men's Basketball team (2-3, 0-0 OVC) wrapped up their two game road trip in Nebraska with a 67-56 loss at Omaha on Friday night. Three Lions scored in double figures, with Marsai Mason leading the way with a team-high 12 points. However, the Lions struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 51.9% of their attempts compared to 78.9% for the Mavericks.
To open the contest, Shamiere Green and Makhan Diouf each connected on their first three-point attempts to give Lindenwood an early 8-2 advantage. The Lions maintained their lead throughout much of the first half, holding Omaha to 29.6% shooting from the floor while shooting 50% themselves. However, the Mavericks stayed within striking distance by converting 12 of 14 free-throw attempts.
After Omaha briefly took the lead with 3:37 remaining, Dom Clay answered with a three pointer on the next possession down the floor, and Marsai Mason followed with a layup to spark a quick 5-0 run and put the Black and Gold in front 29-25 with 2:46 to play. The two teams traded baskets over the remainder of the half, with Lindenwood taking a 31-30 lead into the break and Green leading the Lions with seven first half points.
Lindenwood's defense continued to limit the Mavericks early in the second half, holding Omaha to just seven points through the first 5:30. With the score tied at 37, Xavier Spencer connected on a three pointer from the top of the key to put the Lions back in front by three, but Omaha responded with a 15-4 run over the next six minutes to build a 52-44 advantage. The Mavericks eventually extended their lead to 11 with 5:12 remaining, but Lindenwood continued to battle, cutting the deficit to six with 2:24 to play after Spencer drew contact and scored in the lane to create an and-one opportunity. Omaha responded again to Spencer's basket, closing out the final two minutes with an 8-3 run to secure the 67-56 victory and hand the Lions their third loss of the 2026-27 season.
Mason recorded his second consecutive game with at least 10 rebounds, posting his first double-double as a Lion. Spencer and Green also finished in double figures, scoring 11 points apiece to lead Lindenwood offensively.
The Lions will return to action on Tuesday night and will travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa to take on the Northern Iowa Panthers. Tip off is scheduled for 7 PM CT on ESPN+.
