ST. CHARLES, Mo. – SIUE's offense went cold and Lindenwood took advantage, erasing a 17-point deficit and scoring a 65-63 over the Cougars at Hyland Arena.
The win is the first-ever for Lindenwood in the series with SIUE. The Cougars fell to 14-8 overall and 7-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play. Lindenwood improved to 10-12 overall and 5-6 in the league.
SIUE took a 39-26 lead into halftime after shooting 44 percent in the first 20 minutes. The Cougars also were 12-15 at the free throw line.
After pushing the lead to 43-26 early in the second period, the Lions made a push using a 15-4 run to get it to within six (47-41) with 12:03 to play. The Lions pulled to within one (52-51) after a Aly Tounkara tip in with 6:04 left.
Brian Taylor II buried a three from the right corner to extend SIUE's lead to 55-51.
SIUE led 55-53 when Reggie Bass was fouled. At the same time a previous play was reviewed and determined to have been a flagrant foul against SIUE. Bass was awarded four free throws. He sank all four to put Lindenwood up 57-55. The Lions retained the ball and scored on the ensuing possession to lead 59-55 with 3:39 to play and never trailed again.
Ray'Sean Taylor hit a layup late to cut the lead to 62-60. Following two Lindenwood free throws, Ring Malith hit a three from the right wing to cut the lead to 64-63 before two more free throws from Bass. Ring Malith attempted a half-court heave at the buzzer, but it was short.
SIUE connected on just 28 percent (10-36) of its shots in the second half, including 2 of 10 from three-point range. The Cougars were just 2-3 at the free throw line in the second half.
Malith finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the year. Ray'Sean Taylor scored 19 points and Brian Taylor added 13.
Lindenwood drained 50 percent (12-24) of its shots in the second half and was 12-18 at the free throw line.
Bass led the way for the Lions with 20 points.
SIUE continues on the road for a Saturday game at Western Illinois. Tipoff in Macomb, Illinois is set for 3:30 p.m.
