Lindenwood Women’s Basketball Rides Three-Game Win Streak into Thursday Matchup with Southeast Missouri State
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Lindenwood University’s women’s basketball team (12-5, 4-2 Ohio Valley Conference) travels to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on Thursday for a crucial conference clash against Southeast Missouri State (5-10, 1-5 OVC), with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time. The Lions are looking to extend their impressive three-game winning streak and solidify their position in the OVC standings.
Dominant Performance Fuels Lindenwood’s Momentum
Lindenwood enters the contest following a commanding 71-43 victory over Little Rock last Saturday. The Lions established control early, racing to a 31-6 lead after the first quarter and maintaining their dominance throughout the game. This marked the sixth time this season the team has not trailed at any point during a contest. A stifling defensive effort held the Trojans to a mere 28% shooting percentage from the field, limiting them to just five made field goals in the first half.
Forcing Turnovers: A Key to Lindenwood’s Success
The Lions’ aggressive defense proved pivotal against Little Rock, forcing eight steals in the opening quarter and a total of 10 for the game. These defensive stops translated into 23 points off of the Trojans’ 17 turnovers. Throughout the season, Lindenwood has consistently pressured opponents, averaging 18.1 turnovers forced per game – a testament to their disruptive defensive strategy. Conversely, the Lions have demonstrated ball security, committing only 14.5 turnovers per game, the second-lowest rate in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Balanced Offense Leads the Way
Lindenwood’s offensive attack is characterized by its balance, with three players scoring in double figures against Little Rock. Aleshia Jones led the charge with 17 points, also achieving her first double-double of the season with 11 rebounds and two steals. Jones, a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, is emerging as a key all-around player for the Lions. She was supported by Mya Skoff and Ellie Brueggemann, who each contributed 11 points to the victory.
Brueggemann’s Hot Streak from Beyond the Arc
Ellie Brueggemann continues to be a threat from long range, connecting on three more three-pointers against Little Rock – her fourth consecutive game with at least three successful shots from beyond the arc. The junior guard has reached double-digit three-pointers in 12 games this season and currently boasts a 47.4% three-point shooting percentage, ranking ninth nationally.
Norwood’s Impact Off the Bench
Freshman guard Valerie Norwood provided a spark off the bench, scoring a season-high nine points and grabbing four rebounds against the Trojans. Norwood has seen increased playing time recently, logging 20 or more minutes in four of the last five games, demonstrating her growing contribution to the team.
Coffey Earns OVC Player of the Week Honors
Brooke Coffey was recently recognized for her outstanding performance, earning the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week award. The St. Charles, Missouri, native averaged 18.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game during the week, highlighted by a career-high 29 points in a win over SIUE on January 6.
Numbers to Know:
- 65%: The Lions shot 65% from the field in the opening quarter against Little Rock, converting 11 of 17 attempts.
- 3: This was the third game this season Lindenwood has held an opponent to under 30% shooting.
- 40%: Lindenwood shot 40% from three-point range against Little Rock. Overall, the Lions are making 37.4% of their three-point attempts, the best mark in the conference.
The Lions will look to carry this momentum into Thursday’s matchup against Southeast Missouri State, aiming to continue their winning ways and strengthen their position within the competitive Ohio Valley Conference.
