Phil Scherer | Reporter
Nov. 29, 2016; 10 p.m.

Despite blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Lindenwood women’s basketball team managed to pull out a 71-67 win over Lindenwood-Belleville in a home matchup on Tuesday.

The Lions had three women score double digits in the game, led by Alex Haley’s 13 points. Charisse Williams and Sara Ross also proved valuable, scoring 12 and 11 points respectively.

Head coach Tony Francis said he was impressed by the play of both Williams and Ross throughout the evening.

“They did a nice job picking up our two point guards off some defensive rebounds in the first half,” Francis said.

He said that overall, the team needs to become more consistent to have success as the season moves into conference play next week.

Specifically, he believes immaturity is presenting itself repeatedly as the team continues to struggle with turnovers. Once again, the Lions struggled in this game with 20 giveaways. The freshmen continue to be victimized by giveaways, as freshmen Gabby Walker and Lindsey Medlen each committed five throughout the game.

Francis also said the close result wasn’t entirely unexpected.

“This is a trap game, and it always has been,” Francis said. “I knew that when I scheduled it. That team isn’t just going to go away. This is a big game for them. They want to prove themselves.”

In addition to going through the growing pains of a young roster, the Lions are also dealing with injuries that are keeping the team from competing in their top form.

Key contributors CeCe Rapp and Kylie Ferguson both missed the Lindenwood-Belleville game.

The team will continue its schedule next Monday, Dec. 5, against Arkansas-Monticello on the road. The game will begin at 3 p.m.