KYLE RHINE | Reporter

The women’s basketball team rolled past Missouri Western 59-41 Saturday afternoon at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Lindenwood controlled the Griffins the entire game as the Lions never trailed. At halftime, Lindenwood led 36-19 and shot 56.5 percent from the field while the Griffins struggled from the field shooting just 25 percent.

The Lions held the lead for the remainder of the game and advanced to the MIAA tournament championship for the first time in program history.

Lindenwood out-rebounded Missouri Western 39-37 and the Lions’ bench accounted for 33 points while the Griffins’ bench scored just 11 points.

Forward Gabby Walker notched a double-double scoring 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench.

Guards Lindsay Medlen and Charisse Williams each scored nine points while Forward Kallie Bildner tallied eight points and four rebounds.

“Everyone scored the ball tonight,” Kallie Bildner said. “It was a great team win. That’s what we have to bring tomorrow in order to end up on top.”

Following the win, the Lions advance to play Fort Hays in the MIAA championship on Sunday, March 4 at 1 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Lindenwood and Fort Hays met earlier in the season with the Tigers beating the Lions 87-73 back on January 27 at Hyland Arena.