Wednesday night’s game against Lindenwood was highlighted by four big dunks, but Missouri Western failed to keep the momentum late in the game, and the Lions escaped MWSU Fieldhouse with a 78-69 victory.

Lindenwood took a 30-27 lead into halftime after both teams played tough. Tyler Ressel was 3-for-3 from the field with a total of nine points to pace the Lions, and the Griffons were led by Reed Mells’ nine points. Kalvin Balque stepped off the bench and knocked down a 3-pointer with less than a minute to play in the half to cut the Lions’ 6-point lead in half.

In the first half, Lindenwood was 11-for-16 from the free-throw line, and Missouri Western shot 100 percent, going 6-for-6.

In the second half, both teams stayed close and settled at 39-39. The Griffons took a slim 1-point lead minutes later as Dylan Frantz came off the bench a made a 3-pointer to take the 51-50 lead with 10 minutes, 35 seconds to play.

After the Lions took a 59-56 lead, Alfreeman Flowers made another spectacular dunk going under the hoop and around for the jam. Balque grabbed a steal and went coast-to-coast on a flying dunk that marked the score 63-62 in favor of the Lions.

Still, the Griffons couldn’t capitalize, and Lindenwood finished the night on a 12-4 run in the final 5 minutes to win 78-69.

Alex Bazzell led the Lions with 20 points, going 15-for-16 from the free-throw line to help his team. Cedric Clinkscales had 12 points and six boards to lead the Griffons in both categories. Alex Tuluka-Mfumupembe had 10 points and four rebounds, going 4-for-5 in the game.

Missouri Western next plays Emporia State at Emporia, Kan., Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —