SAINT CHARLES, Mo. — Little Rock earned an 82–74 road victory over Lindenwood on Saturday night at Robert F. Hyland Arena.
With the win, Little Rock improved to 7–10 overall and 4–2 in OVC play, while Lindenwood dropped to 10–7 overall and 4–2 in the conference.
The Trojans used a strong defensive effort and consistent interior scoring to secure the win, finishing with 44 points in the paint and 11 steals. Little Rock outscored Lindenwood 45–43 in the second half and converted 17 points off nine Lions turnovers. Lindenwood stayed within striking distance by knocking down seven three-pointers, but the Trojans' defensive pressure proved decisive.
"We played very well in the second half," Little Rock head coach Darrell Walker said. "Our defense bothered them, and we were able to cause some turnovers and turn them into easy points."
Little Rock took a 37–31 lead into halftime after forcing nine turnovers and recording seven steals in the opening half. The Trojans shot 48 percent from the field and matched Lindenwood with 16 points in the paint, while also holding a slight edge in fast-break scoring to maintain control.
The Trojans opened the second half with a 6–0 run to extend their lead, highlighted by a steal from Johnathan Lawson and a fast-break dunk by Braxton Bayless at the 19:10 mark. Little Rock continued to attack the paint, scoring 28 second-half points inside, and finished with an 18–13 rebounding advantage after the break. The Trojans forced seven additional turnovers in the second half, converting them into 10 points to preserve momentum down the stretch.
Braxton Bayless led Little Rock with 21 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds.
"I made my first three-pointer, and it was on from there," he said. "The offense was working well and creating open shots for us, and I was aggressive and looking to score."
Lawson added 20 points, including three three-pointers, and dished out five assists. Cameron Wallace recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Tuongthach Gatkek chipped in 10 points and three steals to anchor the defensive effort.
Little Rock returns home to face Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Jan. 15, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center.
"We played well on the road this week, and now we need to protect our home court next week," Walker said. "We will get home and get some rest and get prepared for EIU."
