CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Interstat) — Lindenwood built a massive 27-point halftime lead and withstood a furious second-half rally to defeat Southeast Missouri State 88-76 in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Show Me Center.

The Lions, led by Anias Futrell’s 28 points, scored the game’s first 10 points and led 45-18 at halftime after holding the Redhawks to 26% shooting. Southeast Missouri State outscored Lindenwood 58-43 after intermission but never closed the gap to single digits. Dontrez Williams added 22 points for the Lions, while Luke Almodovar scored 21 for the Redhawks.

Lindenwood improved to 11-7 overall. Southeast Missouri State fell to 9-9. Attendance was 3,892.