Johnny Viehland hit two free throws with 55 seconds to play to give Lindenwood the lead for good, 75-74. The Lions (1-2) closed the game by scoring the final six points of the contest. This was Lindenwood’s third consecutive game against an American Midwest Conference opponent, which included home losses to Missouri Baptist University and Columbia College.

 

      McKendree, the No. 14-ranked team in the NAIA Division I pre-season poll, had built a 66-48 lead with just under 10 minutes to play on a tip-in by senior forward Aaron Bond (Kansas City, Mo./Paseo Academy) (Kansas City, Mo./Paseo Academy). The Lions then scored the next 12 points to rally within 66-60 and set the stage for their last-minute victory. Lindenwood outscored the Bearcats 31-8 over the final 9:37 of play.

 

      This is McKendree’s first season-opening loss since the 1993-94 season, when the Bearcats were defeated by Bethel College, 112-91.

 

      Bond finished with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead McKendree. Junior guard Mark Stovall (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) came off the bench to add 15 points, while junior forward Mike Strobbe (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds.

 

      Matt Foster poured in a game-high 26 points to lead Lindenwood, while Viehland added 23 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

 

      McKendree will return to action Monday with a non-conference game at Benedictine College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.