Game Recap: Lindenwood Defeats Morehead State 77-64
The Lions of Lindenwood secured a convincing 77-64 victory over Morehead State on Thursday in Saint Charles, Missouri, as Milos Nenadic poured in 21 points and spearheaded a balanced offensive attack. The win improves Lindenwood to 9-5 on the season and 3-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, signaling a strong start to league competition.
Key Performances and Impactful Moments
Milos Nenadic was the standout performer for Lindenwood, scoring 21 points and adding six rebounds. His scoring burst came at crucial moments, helping the Lions maintain momentum after a tightly contested first half. Nenadic’s ability to score from the perimeter and finish at the rim put constant pressure on Morehead State’s defense.
Dontrez Williams contributed efficiently, shooting 8 of 13 from the field. His aggressive attacking style helped Lindenwood stretch its lead, particularly in the second half when the Lions began to pull away. Williams’ ability to find seams in the Eagles’ rotation created open looks for teammates and kept Morehead State on the back foot defensively.
While Lindenwood received strong contributions from the bench, the defense was also noteworthy. The Lions limited Morehead State in transition and forced several tough looks late in the shot clock, preventing the Eagles from gaining sustained rhythm. The team’s balanced approach—mixed inside-out scoring and solid perimeter defense—proved essential for securing the win.
Strategy and X-Factors
Coach’s game plan for Lindenwood emphasized tempo control and efficient shot selection. By pushing tempo at select moments and then tightening the pace in critical possessions, Lindenwood was able to manage momentum swings and keep Morehead State from building a run. The team’s offensive system rewarded patient ball movement, with Nenadic and Williams converting key angles off screens and ball screens to maximize scoring opportunities.
For Morehead State, the challenge was to disrupt Lindenwood’s rhythm and generate second-chance opportunities. While the Eagles showed flashes of resilience, Lindenwood’s discipline and execution in late clock situations made the difference in the fourth quarter. Rebounding and transition defense will be focal points as Morehead State looks to rebound in upcoming conference games.
Statistical Snapshot
The final tally reflected Lindenwood’s efficiency: Nenadic’s 21 points led the team, while Williams’ 13-plus point contribution helped create a spark offensively. Lindenwood shot a solid percentage from the floor, leveraging efficient shot quality and minimizing costly turnovers. Morehead State battled throughout but found it difficult to sustain production against the Lions’ defensive pressure and rotation.
What It Means Moving Forward
This win extends Lindenwood’s early conference success and positions the Lions as a legitimate contender in the Ohio Valley Conference as the season progresses. With Nenadic and Williams providing reliable scoring, Lindenwood has a versatile backbone that can adapt to different opponents. The defense, which held Morehead State at bay for extended stretches, also signals potential for tightening up against stronger offenses in the coming weeks.
For Morehead State, the loss is a learning opportunity. The team will need to refine its defensive rotations and improve consistency across the lineup to sustain longer runs during OVC play. As the schedule tightens, every conference test will be crucial for the Eagles’ postseason aspirations.
Final Thoughts
In a battle that showcased efficient offense, disciplined defense, and two players who stepped up for Lindenwood, the Lions emerged with a win that could energize their climb in the standings. Expect to see Lindenwood continue leaning on Nenadic and Williams as the season unfolds, with the defense remaining a trusted backbone in close games.
