SCOTT MANDZIARA | Reporter

Lindenwood men’s basketball (14-8) fell to Missouri Western (4-15) in the MIAA road contest on Thursday night.

In the first half the Lions struggled shooting from the field. They shot 33 percent from the field (9-27), according to Lindenwood Athletics.

“I thought we just came out a little flat,” junior guard Adam Pohlman said. “Usually we are pretty good on the road and have a lot energy, but Thursday it wasn’t the case.”

Junior guard Brad Newman scored a team high-13 points on 6-12 shooting from the field.

Lindenwood did better than Missouri Western in 3-point percentage, assists, turnovers and steals.

Pohlman was responsible for seven of the team’s 10 assists along with 11 points of his own.

“I’ve just been playing with a lot of confidence lately and having fun,” Pohlman said. “Guys are telling me to be more of a scorer and shoot more.”

At the half, Lindenwood led the Griffons 22-20, and the largest lead the Lions had was six points.

Missouri Western shot a uncharacteristic 75 percent from the field (15-20) and scored 43 points. Lindenwood also shot well from the field in the second half at 47 percent (11-23).

“They’re a streaky team,” Pohlman said. “Their record doesn’t do them justice; they’re a good team, and when they make some shots, they’re tough to defend.

Missouri Western ranks dead last in the MIAA in scoring. The Griffons average just 63 points per game, along with the worst shooting percentage at 41 percent. Missouri Western shot 53% on Thursday night.

Coming up next for the Lions, they will take on the top team in the MIAA on the road, Northwest Missouri State, at 3:30 on Feb 3.

“We will watch film today and make adjustments before we take on Northwest on Saturday,” Pohlman said.