Lions Set Scoring Record in Huge Win

ST. CHARLES - The men's basketball team was looking forward to some home cooking on Tuesday night.     

After eight successive road games to begin the season, the Lions were ready to cut loose. And cut loose they did, setting a school scoring record in posting an eye-popping 136-57 win over Concordia Seminary at Robert F. Hyland Arena.

Lindenwood, which improved to 8-1, set a mark for most points in a single game. The friendly environs proved to be just what the Lions needed. They racked up 76 points in the opening half and led by as many as 74 points in the second half.     

"You always feel more comfortable in your own gym with your own fans," said Lindenwood sophomore forward Garrett Reeg, who led the way with a career-high 21 points. "But, I didn't expect this."     

Even veteran coach Brad Soderberg was surprised at his team's shooting prowess. Lindenwood made 39 of its first 50 shots (78 percent) over the game's first 24 minutes.     

"It was amazing," Soderberg said. "Even in practice when we run five-on-zero offense we don't shoot like that."     

Lindenwood hit on 15 of its first 19 shots on the way to a 34-15 lead after just nine minutes. Nine different players scored in the first seven minutes. All 14 players on the roster had at least three points.    

Soderberg's crew was 33 for 43 in the first half on the way to a 76-33 lead.     "It was just our night," said Reeg, an Oakville High grad. "One of those games where everything we shot went in."    

Reeg was 10 of 13 from the field. He grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. The 6-foot-6-inch forward also hit his fourth 3-pointer of the season.     

Reeg wasn't the only offensive star on the night. Junior guard Alex Bazzell added 16 points while senior Kramer Soderberg chipped in with 13. Tyler Harris and Michael Boos came off the bench to score 11 points each. Richie Thompson added 10 points.   

"The best thing about this is that we got everybody involved," Coach Soderberg said. "The (number) 10 through 14 guys contributed and that makes everyone feel good."     

Lindenwood had streaks of nine and seven successive field goals during a pair of 11-0 runs in the first half. Bazzell capped off the second blitz with a driving layup that put Lions in front 65-23.     

Concordia Seminary, which fell to 3-6, was never able to stop the offensive onslaught. Lindenwood, which finished 55 of 82 from the floor, scored the first 10 points of the second half to go up 86-33.     

"It was a team that we should have beat and we did," said Brad Soderberg. "But the way we did it was what was impressive to me. Our kids treated every minute with respect. They didn't disrespect the opponent once we got a big lead."     

In a classy move, Soderberg took his starters out for good with 17:04 left in the second half.     

"We've been building to become a quality Division II team with our strategy of being able to get skilled perimeter players," Soderberg said. "It showed. If you leave our guys open, there's a pretty good chance they'll make a three."     

Lindenwood ended any suspense with a 12-0 run over the first 3:31. Reeg, who helped Oakville High to the Final Four twice, scored six of those points. His short jumper, coupled with a basket by Thompson, gave the Lions an early 4-0 lead.

Thompson followed with a strong scoring drive down the lane and Reeg tallied back-to-back baskets to pump the advantage to 10-0. Kramer Soderberg recorded a steal and layup to complete the outburst.     

Minutes later, the Lions used an 11-3 spurt to go up 30-11. Bazzell scored nine of the points.     

Efkan Eren started the first 11-0 blitz with a driving layup. Reeg capped it off with a stick-back to put his team up 52-17.     

"We've got a lot of good shooters, up and down the depth chart," said Reeg, whose previous career high was 16 points. "It was a fun night."     

Ben Johnson led the Preachers with 19 points.     

Lindenwood, which is in the middle of an NCAA Division II transition year, will take on Lincoln University in Jefferson City on Saturday before returning home to face Lindsey Wilson College of Columbia, Kentucky on Monday. Lindsey Wilson, an NAIA school, is ranked 19th nationally.       

NOTES: The Lindenwood women's team beat Harris-Stowe 89-63 on Tuesday. Sarah Schnieders led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds for the Lions, who improved to 4-4.     

Bazzell has scored at least 12 points in all nine games this season.     

The Lions improved to 29-4 at home under Soderberg, who is in his third season at the helm.     

Lindenwood is averaging a whopping 94.8 points per game. It beat Wilberforce University 100-60 on Dec. 3.