Men's rugby weathered some physical opposition and subpar play early, but pulled away in the second half for a 62-7 win over Clemson in Mid-South Conference action Saturday afternoon at the National Athletic Village at the Pier in Clemson, South Carolina. 

A big defensive play on the Tigers try line ended with center Nick Taylor dotting down only three minutes into the game.  The Lions showed some poor decision-making in the following moments, but that did not slow the line breaks from the outside backs.
 
Halfback Richard Felton and wing Cael Hodgson cashed in on their opportunities with first half tries. Second row Emmanuel Albert was a bruising presence for the opposition once again as he ran through defenders and scored a try just before halftime.
 
Clemson started the second half with some renewed vigor and scored an early converted try, but captain and flanker Ayden Hurst righted the ship and bulled over for a score in response.  Lindenwood controlled the pitch from that point. 
 
Multiple reserves entered the game for the Lions and totally dominated play. Flanker Cody Erhardt ran well and tackled effectively to take options away from the Tigers. Hodgson scored his second of the day before his opposite wing, Morgan Purcell, earned one of his own. Reserve center Dylan Ramirez joined in the fun and ran through two defenders to touch down, and Purcell scored another before the end of the contest. 
 
With the victory, Lindenwood improved to 21-1 overall and to 4-0 in conference.  The Lions travel to Marietta, Georgia to face another Mid-South rival in Life University February 22.  The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Lupo Family Field.