The Lindenwood men's basketball team earned an 88-80 victory over William Woods in its home opener on Thursday Night from Hyland Arena. Lindenwood was led offensively by junior TJ Crockett, who scored 27 points, leading the Lions to their third consecutive win and 13th straight home-opening victory.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
LIndenwood came out strong from the opening tip, beginning the game on a 23-6 run, while shooting 8-12 from the field, including 5-6 from behind the arc. Lindenwood maintained a consistent lead throughout the first 20 minutes of play, extending their lead to as many as 22 points on two different occasions.

The Lions defense was strong in the first half, forcing 10 William Wood turnovers, helping Lindenwood carry a 50-33 lead into the break.

The Owls made some quality adjustments at halftime opening the second 20 minutes of play on an 11-0 run to close the Lindenwood lead to 50-44. Over the next 6:54, the Lions embarked on a 20-4 run, capped off by a Kace Kitchel layup that helped Lindenwood reestablish its 22-point lead at 70-48.

 The resilient Owls fought back, trimming the Lions lead to just four points with under four minutes remaining. However, the home team managed to close out the win, prevailing by a final score of 88-80.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- For the third consecutive game, Crockett led the Lions in scoring, pouring in 27 points (11-22 FG).
- Vijay Blackmon (17 points) and Kitchel (10 points) were the other Lions to reach double figures.
- Cameron Scales and Crockett each grabbed five rebounds to lead the Lions rebounding effort.
- Sukhman Bhinder and Blackmon dished out four assist each in the win, tying for the team lead.
- For the third time in as many games, Lindenwood limited its turnovers committing only six in the game.
- As a team, Lindenwood connected 32-of-70 from the field, including 10 makes from three-point range.

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will wrap up its brief two-game homestand on Nov. 20 with a non-conference matchup against the No. 3 Bellarmine Knights. Game time is schedule for 7:00 p.m. from Hyland Arena.