CLAIRE BEAUDRY |Reporter

The Lindenwood women’s basketball team defeated No. 1 Washburn University 72-56 Saturday afternoon in Topeka, Kansas.

Lindenwood’s junior forward, Kallie Bildner, led the way, scoring 29 points and getting 19 rebounds — both of those being season highs — in 35 minutes of court time. Guard Charisse Williams scored 14 points and had five assists. Forward Lexie Moe added eight points and led the defense with five turnovers, three blocks and three steals. 

The Lindenwood women were 16 of 23 at the free-throw line and have 6 three-pointers compared to Washburn’s 2. Washburn did outscore the Lindenwood Lions 38-36 in the paint, but the Lions had more second- chance points and out-rebounded their opponents 52-27. 

Lindenwood led by 10 points at halftime and never trailed the entire game. Lindenwood closed the gap on Washburn for the first place in the MIAA standings and are now only one game back. Lindenwood is 14-4 overall, including an 8-3 record in the MIAA. About 1,500 people attended the game. 

The next game takes place at the Hyland Arena on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. against Northwest Missouri State University.