EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Lindenwood men’s basketball wrapped up their season at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships, losing to #3 Tennessee State, 69-55. This marks the end of their third year in the OVC, where they achieved their best record with 16 wins overall and 10 in conference play. They also celebrated their first tournament victory this week.
Anias Futrell led the Lions with 12 points and added five rebounds. He was a standout defender, recording four steals and two blocks. Overall, Lindenwood managed seven blocks, with Aly Tounkara contributing three.
Jadis Jones also made an impact, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds. He finished his freshman season as the team leader in points (413), rebounds (193), and total playing time (1,105 minutes). Notably, he was the only player to start all 33 games this season.
Reggie Bass contributed nine points and three assists, while Markeith Browning II scored seven points and pulled down 10 rebounds. The Lions faced challenges on the boards, getting out-rebounded 41-35 overall, even though they had the edge on offensive rebounds, 13-12.
The Lions shot 36.7% from the field but struggled with their three-point shooting, going 5-19. They made 6-13 from the free-throw line and committed 15 turnovers, matching TSU’s total. Defensively, they scored 18 points off turnovers, while points in the paint were even at 34-34.
Lindenwood got off to a quick start, going on an 8-0 run in the first three minutes, fueled by forcing five turnovers from TSU. Tennessee State narrowed the gap to two points with a dunk, and the lead kept shifting as the Tigers took their first lead following a three-pointer midway through the first half.
After a tough stretch, the Lions made a quick 6-0 run to bring the score to 20-22. TSU’s biggest lead in the first half was nine points at 31-22, but Browning II capped the half with a layup, leaving the Lions down 31-24 at halftime.
In the first half, Lindenwood shot 31.3% and was out-rebounded 26-17. However, they kept TSU to 40.0% shooting, forcing 10 turnovers while notching four blocks and steals.
In the second half, the Lions cut the lead to four early on with a three-pointer from Futrell. But the Tigers responded, stretching their lead into double digits. Despite shooting better in the second half at 42.9%, Tennessee State’s shooting was too strong, hitting over 50% and making five three-pointers, including a crucial moment from Knute Woods.
Late threes from the Lions weren’t enough to change the outcome, and they ultimately fell 69-55 in the OVC Quarterfinals. Lindenwood finishes the season with a 16-17 overall record and 10-10 in conference play.
Check out this related article: Countdown to the 2025 MAC Championship: Ohio Wrestling Aims for Glory!
Source link