The Lindenwood women's basketball team (22-7, 14-4 OVC) close out the home slate on Thursday in a matchup with Eastern Illinois (4-25, 3-15 OVC). Tip-off from Hyland Arena is set for 5:00 p.m.
 
The Lions defeated Tennessee Tech 70-57 las Saturday, picking up their sixth straight win. It is the longest win streak for the Black and Gold since picking up 11 victories in a row a year ago from January 18-February 22, 2025. Overall, the Lions have won nine out of their last 10 games. With another victory on Thursday, Lindenwood would match its win total from the 2024-25 campaign.
 
It has been a balanced offensive attack during the winning streak as the Lions have had at least four players score in double figures during five out of the six games. This season, the Black and Gold have three players averaging 13 or more points, and six individuals averaging seven or more per game.
 
In the victory over the Golden Eagles, Aleshia Jones led the way with 18 points, 14 of which came in the first half. The Leavenworth, Kan. native led a strong second quarter for Lindenwood where the Lions outscored Tennessee Tech 23-7. Jones had 10 points in the frame and shot 5-of-5 from the field. She continues to pace the team in scoring at 15.2 per contest, which ranks fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference.
 
Ellie Brueggemann and Brooke Coffey each had 13 points apiece, followed by Gracie Kelsey with 12. Brueggemann stuffed the stat sheet in the win, dishing out four assists, getting three steals, and blocking three shots. It was her 24th game with 10 or more points on the year which leads the team.
 
Kelsey was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor against the Golden Eagles and has scored in double figures in four of the last six games. In two wins this past week, the Agency, Mo. native averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, all while shooting 73.3 percent from the field.
 
Valerie Norwood provided a nice spark off the bench, chipping in eight points in just 16 minutes. She also added three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
 
After dropping its first two conference games at home this season, Lindenwood has won seven consecutive Ohio Valley Conference contests inside Hyland Arena and will look to end on a high note Thursday. The Lions defeated Eastern Illinois 87-55 in Charleston on December 21 and shot 63 percent from the field. Brueggemann and Kelsey paced the Black and Gold with 14 points apiece.
 
Lindenwood will close out the regular season in a big road matchup with OVC leader Western Illinois on Saturday in a battle with the top two teams in the conference. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.

NUMBERS TO KNOW:
5: Aleshia Jones was named OVC Newcomer of the Week for a conference leading fifth time after leading her team to a pair of wins last week

16: With another win by double digits on Saturday, 16 of Lindenwood's 22 victories this season have been by 10 or more points

68: The Lions were efficient from inside the arc against the Golden Eagles, going 25-of-37 on two-point attempts, good for 68 percent