The No. 10 Lindenwood men's basketball team moved one step closer to a HAAC Championship and an automatic berth to the national tournament with a 72-57 road win at Central Methodist.

The Lions never trailed in the contest as they went on an early 11-0 run to jump out to a 13-2 lead. Lindenwood led 36-27 at halftime and outscored the Eagles by six points in the final half.

Lindenwood shot 53.2 percent from the field, including 42.9 percent from three-point range. Central Methodist shot under 40 percent from the field, and made just 17.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Lions only turned it over nine times against the number one team in the HAAC in forcing turnovers. Lindenwood also won the rebounding battle by a 34-27 margin.

Kramer Soderberg led the offense with 23 points and also dished out a team-high four assists. Three other players scored in double-figures and one just missed double-figures by one point. Brett Thompson finished with 15 points. He made five of seven from the field and five of six from the free throw line. Alfred Nelson scored 13 points and led the squad with seven boards. Freshmen Michael Boos and Garrett Reeg scored 10 and nine, respectively.

The Lions improve to 25-3 overall and 16-2 in conference play. Lindenwood will play at MidAmerica Nazarene on Saturday afternoon. With a win, Lindenwood can clinch a share of the HAAC Championship, earn a bid to the national tournament, and tie a school record for most wins in a season.