Phil Scherer | Reporter
Dec. 10, 2016; 3:30 p.m.

Despite allowing a 13-point lead to disappear in the final minute, the Lindenwood women’s basketball team was able to pull out an 86-80 home win over Missouri Southern.

The win marked the first time Lindenwood has defeated Missouri Southern. The team had been 0-9 all-time against their conference foes entering Saturday’s contest.

This game also marked the first conference win of the season for Lindenwood. They lost their first conference matchup Thursday night against nationally-ranked Pittsburg State.

“I’m really proud of these girls,” head coach Tony Francis said following the game. “This is about them getting their first win, not only of the conference season but also over Missouri Southern.”

Freshman forward Kallie Bildner led the way for Lindenwood, scoring 24 points and collecting 15 rebounds. This is the fourth time this season that Bildner has scored more than 20 points, and is also her fourth double-double of the season.

In addition to her efforts, Francis complemented the efforts of senior forward Beth Maenpaa, making her first start of the season on her birthday.

“I thought she did some great stuff on the floor for us,” Francis said. “Not just rebounds but also great leadership stuff.”

Maenpaa finished the day with four points, six rebounds and added a steal, her first of the year.

With the win, Lindenwood improves to 5-3 on the season and 1-1 in the MIAA conference. The team will be off until next Saturday, when they travel to Washburn. The game will begin at 5 p.m.