Lions, Screaming Eagles Meet in OVC Rematch

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Lindenwood Lions visit the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on Thursday night in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball rematch just over three weeks after their first meeting went down to the wire.

The Lions (12-9, 4-4 OVC) edged the Screaming Eagles (5-14, 2-6) 83-80 in St. Charles, Missouri, on Jan. 3. Lindenwood’s Anias Futrell scored 19 points in that victory and has been on a scoring tear since, averaging 24.4 points over his last five games. He is coming off a 25-point performance in an 86-96 loss to Tennessee State last Saturday.

Southern Indiana is looking to build momentum after snapping a six-game skid with a dominant 96-64 home win over Western Illinois last Friday. Cardell Bailey led the way with 22 points in that victory. Bailey, who scored 18 points in the first matchup against Lindenwood, has averaged 16.4 points over his last five contests.

The game at the Physical Activities Center pits two teams heading in opposite directions in the conference standings. Lindenwood sits in the middle of the pack, while Southern Indiana is near the bottom. The Lions have shown a potent offense, scoring 88 or more points in three of their last six games, but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 84.2 points in their last five outings.

Southern Indiana’s win over Western Illinois, in which they shot 58.7% from the field, provided a bright spot in a difficult season. They will need a similar offensive efficiency and improved late-game execution to reverse the January result against a Lindenwood team that has proven capable of winning close conference games.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. The Lions continue their road trip at Morehead State on Saturday. The Screaming Eagles host SIU Edwardsville that same day.