ST. CHARLES, Mo. - The Lincoln Blue Tigers used an early second half run Saturday to defeat the Lindenwood Lions 67-64 in men's MIAA basketball action.
Lindenwood used a late 11-0 run in the first half to take a 34-28 advantage into intermission. But Lincoln regrouped during the break and opened the second half with a 15-2 spurt of their own, capped by a 3-pointer by Amariontez Ivory, to take a 43-36 advantage.
The Blue Tigers led the rest of the way. The Lions got as close as a point at 65-64 with :24 remaining. Ivory iced the win with a pair of free throws with :02 remaining.
Ivory finished with 20 points in the win. John Burton added 12 for the Blue Tigers, while Terrance Smith pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
Brad Newman finished with 13 points to lead three Lindenwood players in double figures. Adam Pohlman added 12, while Chandler Diekvoss chipped in with 10.
Lincoln (13-11 overall, 7-8 MIAA) and Lindenwood (14-10, 6-9) will meet again Tuesday night at Jason Gym. Game time is 7:30 p.m. It is the first of four straight home games to close the regular season for the Blue Tigers.
In the women's game Saturday afternoon, a big third quarter helped propel Lindenwood to an 83-73 victory against Lincoln.
Lincoln outscored Lindenwood 22-18 in the second quarter on its way to a 31-28 advantage at the half.
But Lindenwood scored eight of the first 10 points of the third quarter to take the led for good. The Lions stretched their lead to 48-48 after three quarters.
Lindenwood led by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter before Lincoln closed the game by scoring 15 of the last 21 points.
Faith Brintle had 17 points to pace Lincoln, while Bre Coleman had 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Kallie Bildner finished with 19 points and 17 rebounds for Lindenwood. Megan Foster (Jefferson City High School) had five points in 13 minutes off the bench for the Lions.
Lincoln (3-20 overall, 0-15 MIAA) and Lindenwood (13-11, 5-10) will meet again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Jason Gym.