Senior center Shonte Clay helped lead the Missouri Southern Lions to a big MIAA win this evening. Clay led the Lions with 19 points as they defeated Lindenwood 72-61 in their first home game in nearly two weeks.

After tip-off was delayed by nearly an hour, Lindenwood came out a little groggy, turning the ball over several times early in the game. The Lions would jump out to an early 7-1 lead, forcing Lindenwood to take an early timeout.

The Lions continued to play suffocating defense throughout the first half. Junior guard Alexis Fitzpatrick served as the spark plug, ending the game with six steals.

Lindenwood cut the lead down to as a little as three with four minutes remaining in the first, due in large part to the play of Lindenwood forward Morgan Johnson who scored eleven in the half.

 Southern would counter with an 11-4 run to end the half, however, taking a 10-point lead into the break.

The Lions continued their steady level of play in the second half, cruising to an 11-point win.

Southern used a balanced attack in the game, with eight players registering at least one basket. Usual stat sheet stuffers Sharese Jones (sophomore) and Dominique Mosley (senior) both scored in the single digits.

Junior guard Shawnee Phillips contributed 15 points off of the bench, including a trio of three-pointers in the first half. Fitzpatrick played facilitator, dishing out 10 assists to go along with eight points, six steals and three rebounds.

The Lions move to 11-3 overall, 5-2 in MIAA play and an unblemished record of 8-0 at home. They will face Lincoln at home on Saturday afternoon.