Lindenwood boxscore in PDF

Senior guard Trae Pemberton scored a career-high 26 points and set a school record by hitting all 15 free throw attempts to pace the Maryville men's basketball team to a hard-fought 80-76 victory over visiting Lindenwood Saturday afternoon at Moloney Arena. Pemberton's perfect outing at the line surpassed the previous program mark of 12-of-12 set by Henry Shannon Nov. 25, 1997.
 
In a game that featured nine ties and 15 lead changes, the Saints found themselves down 53-47 with 8:28 left in the contest. Pemberton hit two free throws, and Evan Booker finished a three-point play to bring the Saints to just one. The Lions scored on their next possession before Booker drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to forge a 55-55 tie with 6:46 to play.
 
Lindenwood took its final lead on a free throw until the Saints answered with a 10-2 burst. Armon Provo sank two free throws, and Pemberton drilled a 3-pointer for a 60-56 lead. Lindenwood made two free throws but Pemberton answered for the Saints with a layup and hit the free throw for a three-point sequence. The Saints forced an LU turnover, and Max Mischkulnig's layup was good for a 65-58 lead. Lindenwood cut the gap to three with 3:15 to play before Provo scored on the left baseline. The Lions made one free throw but Provo hit a long jumper, and Pemberton swished two free throws to build a 71-63 advantage with 1:29 to go. The Lions stayed close and did not let Maryville pull away. However, the Saints hit seven of eight free throws down the stretch to keep the Lions at bay.
 
Pemberton hit 5-of-7 shots en route to his career best performance. Booker, making his first start of the year, hit all six of his field goal attempts for a season-high 18 points, added six rebounds and three blocks. Provo finished with 14 points and a game-high seven rebounds. Maryville hit 26-of-32 from the free-throw line. Cory Arentsen led Lindenwood (4-6) with 25 points.
 
The Saints improve to 4-3 on the season. Maryville is next in action Tuesday, Dec. 16, as it heads to Ohio to take on Cedarville.