Phillip Scherer | Sports Editor
Published March 5, 2014; 4:42 p.m.
The Lindenwood men’s basketball team lost its final regular season game and their opening game of the MIAA conference tournament without two top contributors throughout the season.
Sophomore guard Brandon Marquardt and sophomore forward Aaron Ramirez were removed from the team’s official roster prior to the final regular season game against Missouri Southern on Feb. 27. The two did not travel with the team to Kearney, Neb., for the start of the conference tournament Tuesday night. The Lions lost to the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers 86-80.
School officials and players have declined to comment about the players’ removal or whether they will be reinstated next season
Marquardt played in 28 games for the Lions this season, making 12 starts. His 60 three-point field goals ranked second on the team and his .448 three-point shooting percentage was the highest among qualifying players. For the season, he averaged 9.2 points per game.
Ramirez played in 25 games this season, starting seven. He ranked second on the team with 114 rebounds for the season and added 5.8 points per game. He led the Lions with 23 blocked shots.
No announcement has been made regarding whether these dismissals are permanent or if the two players will be reinstated at a later date.