Lindenwood’s men’s basketball team improved to 5-6 on the season after defeating IU Indy by a score of 81-63 on Saturday.
The team was led by an impressive offensive showing by both Markeith Browning II and Jaylon McDaniel, who combined for 40 of the team’s 81 points. McDaniel led the team with 22 points, with Browning closely behind with 18 of his own. Reggie Bass was able to join the pair in double-digit scoring totals with 14 of his own. Four other Lions scored points in the win as well, with Nathan Johnson Jr scoring eight, and Clayton Jackson with seven. Both Jadis Jones and Jordan Wildy each put up six points in the effort.
In the opening portion of the game, the Lions scored first and scored often, putting up 39 points in the half. McDaniel started his 22-point night off quickly, drawing first blood in the first 30 seconds of the game. The first half of the game saw Lindenwood make 41% of their field goal attempts, and just over 38% of their three-point attempts. The team started an impressive night from the penalty line early as well, shooting 60% on their free throw attempts. Defensively, the team only allowed IU Indy to put up 29 points in the half.
The second half of play saw an impressive shooting display from the Lions. The team put up 42 points in the last 20 minutes of play, increasing their successful field goal percentage to just over 60, their three-point shot percentage to 75, and draining each of their seven attempted free throws. The team ended up 13-17 on the night shooting from the penalty line. On defense, the team only allowed 34 more points in the half.
Defensively, Jones led the team with nine rebounds, narrowly beating out Johnson who had eight, and both Browning and Bass, who had seven each.
Lindenwood will now begin Ohio Valley Conference play with two straight home games next week. The team will welcome Tennessee Tech to campus next Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Western Illinois on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
