Lindenwood recap
Despite a season-high 20 points from Zach Colletta, Maryville was unable to end Lindenwood's four-game home winning streak Saturday afternoon 81-76 in St. Charles, Mo. The Saints used a 10-1 run in the final two minutes of the game and had a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left that would have forced overtime but the shot missed its mark as the Lions escaped. Colletta missed tying his career best by one point.
 
What Happened
The Saints scored the first four points of the game and held the advantage the rest of the first half. Ross Ryan sank a short jumper, and Colletta drained a wing jumper for a 4-0 lead. Maryville led 7-5 and tacked on five straight points on two Colletta free throws and a deep Dezmond McDaniel 3-pointer. Ryan hit a turnaround jumper from the left side as the Saints built their largest lead at eight points seven minutes into the game.
 
Malik Barnett splashed in a triple from the top of the key for a 19-11 edge. The Lions rallied to within one point but a hoop by Colletta and a 3-pointer by Owen Long was good for a 26-20 cushion. Gant and Ryan scored in the waning minute of the first half as the Saints took a 40-33 edge into halftime. Maryville shot 66.7 percent from the field, nailing 16-of-24 shots.
 
On the opening possession of the second half, Colletta's three-point play boosted the Saints to a 43-33 lead. He scored again for a 45-35 margin two minutes in but the Lions rallied to get grab their first lead at 46-45 with 15 minutes to play. The Lions pushed their advantage to as much as 59-50. Chris Williams pulled up from deep and his 3-pointer brought the Saints to within six. Two more at the stripe from Williams cut the Lindenwood lead down to 61-55 with 9:49 left.
 
The Saints stayed within range, and McDaniel drained a 3-pointer as Maryville edged to within 77-72 at the 2:39 mark. After a defensive stop, Long converted two free throws with 2:04 left to make the score 77-74. Gant grabbed an offensive rebound and his put back pulled the Saints to 77-76 with 22.2 ticks remaining. Lindenwood missed two free throws to give the Saints a chance to force overtime. However, the attempt from the top of the key missed its mark as Lindenwood extended its home-court win streak to five. The Saints shot 53.8 percent from the field.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Zach Colletta – 20
Rebounds: Jalen Gant – 10
Assists: Zach Colletta – 4
Steals: Owen Long and Ross Ryan – 2
Blocked Shots: Kamto Eze – 1
3-Pointers: Owen Long and Dezmond McDaniel – 2
 
Records
Maryville: 4-6, 0-3 GLVC
Lindenwood: 8-3, 2-1 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints continue their four-game road trek to begin GLVC action in 2020 and play at Quincy Thursday, Jan. 9, for a 7:30 p.m. tip in Pepsi Arena.