Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON – The Lions (3-15, 1-9 AMC) nearly overcame a slow start and had a good look at the buzzer to send the game to overtime, but fell just short to their American Midwest Conference rival Lindenwood University-Belleville (3-15, 3-8 AMC) 57-54 on Thursday.

The Lions didn't score their first field goal in the contest until just under the halfway point in the first half, but the Lynx struggled from the field as well, keeping the home squad in the game.

Freed only mustered 20 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, while the visitors shot just 32 percent. The score at the break was just 24-15.

Both teams picked things up in the second half, though, with the Lions coming out and shooting nearly 46 percent. It was almost enough, as they were down three points with the clock nearing zero.

Jalen Thompson had a clean look from beyond the arc as time expired, but his shot came up just short, and the Lynx walked away with the road win.

John Musselwhite ended the game with a double-double, scoring a game-high 12 points and pulling down 10 boards.

Thompson and Kortland Martin each finished with 11 points.

The Lions will be at home again on Saturday when they take on Harris-Stowe State at 3 p.m.