GAME OVERVIEW
The Lindenwood men's basketball team (9-8, 2-3 MIAA) dropped a triple-overtime thriller against Lincoln on Saturday afternoon from Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. The visiting Blue Tigers defeated the Lions by a final score of 96-87, in the first triple overtime game in Lindenwood's NCAA era.

Lincoln controlled the pace during the first half, holding a share of the lead for the final 18:39. The Blue Tigers extended their lead to as many as 14 points during the first half, before ultimately entering the intermission with an 11-point lead at 40-29.

Lindenwood opened the second half on a 13-2 run, capped off by a Chandler Diekvoss tip-in at the rim, helping to slash the Lincoln lead to just three points with under 15 minutes to play. Lincoln withstood the early Lindenwood surge, and managed to protect its lead late into the second half.

With Lindenwood trailing 68-61 in the final 90 seconds of play, Brad Newman converted on an and-one fastbreak layup, bringing Lindenwood within four points of the visitors. Newman then added back-to-back layups on the Lions' next two possessions, to draw Lindenwood even with Lincoln. Lincoln had a shot to win the game at the buzzer blocked by Newman, and the game headed to overtime.

Diekvoss accounted for all six of Lindenwood's points during the first overtime, and helped give the Lions a 74-68 lead with just 2:48 remaining in the period. However, Lincoln closed out the overtime period on a 6-0 run to force a second overtime.

The two teams exchanged buckets in the second overtime, but Lincoln managed to establish a three-point edge with just over 1:00 to play. On its next possession down the court, Lindenwood got the ball out to Diekvoss from three-point range for a game-tying shot which Diekvoss knocked down to again bring the Lions even. Lincoln had another opportunity to win the game at the buzzer, but were unable to connect on the tying basket.

Lincoln opened the third overtime on fire, scoring eight of the first nine points, to take a commanding seven-point lead at 92-85. Despite Lindenwood's best efforts to cut into the lead, Lincoln added to its total, eventually bringing the game to its final score of 96-87.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Diekvoss established a new career-high with his 38-point performance. Diekvoss was 14-of-28 from the field, and exceeded 20 points for the fifth straight game.
- Diekvoss also added his fourth double-double of the season, as he secured 10 rebounds to lead the team.
- Diekvoss had 14 of Lindenwood's 19 points during the three overtime periods.
- Newman had 26 points (9-of-21 FG), en route to his seventh game this season with at least 20 points.
- Neman registered 15 of his points in the second half, connecting on 6-of-8 from the field.
- Diego Womack was Lindenwood's other scorer to reach double-digits, finishing the afternoon with 12 points (5-of-9 FG).
- Adam Pohlman added nine rebounds and four assists.

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will hit the road for two games next week. First up for the Lions will be a matchup with the Southwest Baptist Bearcats on Thursday evening from Bolivar, Mo. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.