Lindenwood's Anias Futrell stole the show at Ellis T. Johnson Arena, leading his team to a 79-78 win over Morehead State. Futrell's impressive performance, which included 26 points and 9 rebounds, was the difference-maker in a game that saw both teams battle it out until the very end. Morehead State's Chase Dawson also had a notable outing, scoring 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Futrell's dominance.
The first half saw Morehead State take a 39-36 lead, with Dawson and George Marshall combining for 20 points. However, Lindenwood's offense came alive in the second half, with Futrell, Milos Nenadic, and Dontrez Williams forming a potent trio that propelled their team to victory. Nenadic added 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Williams chipped in with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The trio's collective effort allowed Lindenwood to outscore Morehead State 43-39 in the second half, securing the win.
Before the game, CHD Scout predicted a narrow Lindenwood victory, with a projected score of 74-76 and a 2.1-point margin. The actual result was remarkably close, with Lindenwood emerging victorious by a single point. This level of accuracy is a reflection of the predictive model's effectiveness.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game was marked by several key moments, including a late surge by Lindenwood that saw them take the lead and hold on for the win. Morehead State's Anouar Mellouk had a strong game, scoring 10 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, but his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Futrell's outstanding performance.
This win is significant for Lindenwood, as it adds another victory to their resume. With a current net ranking of 229, Lindenwood is looking to bolster their tournament chances. This game, classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup, may not have been a high-profile contest, but it still holds value for both teams. For Morehead State, the loss drops them to 12-11, and with a net ranking of 280, they must regroup and refocus to stay in the hunt.
As the season progresses, Lindenwood's victory will be viewed as a solid, if not spectacular, addition to their resume. The fact that they were able to secure a win on the road, against a team that is still fighting for its own tournament hopes, speaks to their resilience and determination. While this game may not have been a marquee matchup, it has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Lindenwood's win keeps them on track, while Morehead State's loss makes their path to the postseason more challenging. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for the tournament.