The Lindenwood women's basketball team (21-7, 13-4 OVC) earned its fifth-straight win after defeating Tennessee State (4-22, 3-14 OVC), 75-70 on Thursday night in Nashville, Tenn.

GAME OVERVIEW
It was a slow start offensively for the Lions who trailed 9-6 at the midway point of the opening quarter. Lindenwood took its first lead of the game after Valerie Norwood grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back, giving the Black and Gold a 15-13 lead. Lindenwood led 19-15 after one with Aleshia Jones having a game-high nine points.

Lindenwood maintained a slim lead throughout the second quarter that grew to seven at 30-23 after Ellie Brueggemann knocked down threes on back-to-back offensive possessions with just over four minutes to play in the half. The Lions held a 34-30 advantage at the break.

Both teams shot the ball well in the third quarter. Brueggemann nailed a three early in the frame to put the Lions up five, 39-34. Tennessee State chipped away with an 11-4 run to tie the game and eventually took the lead going up 45-43 following a steal and layup the other way. The Tigers continued to be disruptive on the defensive end and extended the lead to 53-47 with 3:43 to play in the third.

It was Lindenwood's turn to respond and they did just that with a 9-0 run, capped off by a Gracie Kelsey and-one propelled the Lions in front, 56-53. The Black and Gold led by one, 57-56, after 30 minutes of play.

Lindenwood remained in front by three after a shot from deep by Brooke Coffey went down. Tennessee State responded with a three of its own on the next trip to tie the game at 64. The seesaw battle continued with TSU going back in front, 68-67 just passed the halfway point of the fourth quarter.

Lindenwood locked in defensively and held the Tigers to just two points for the rest of the game and were able to earn a 75-70 road win. The Lions had five players in double figures, including Mya Skoff who had seven of her 10 points in the fourth.

GAME LEADERS
Aleshia Jones (16 points, six rebounds)
Ellie Brueggemann (16 points, three assists, two rebounds)
Brooke Coffey (15 points, five rebounds)
Gracie Kelsey (11 points, eight rebounds, six assists)

UP NEXT
The Lions head to Cookeville, Tenn. for a matchup with Tennessee Tech on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.