UT Martin asserted its dominance over Lindenwood, securing a 69-55 victory at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The Skyhawks' well-rounded performance was led by Afan Trnka, who scored 17 points, while Matas Deniusas and Andrija Bukumirović added 14 points each. The win improves UT Martin's record to 15-5, solidifying its position as a formidable opponent.
The Skyhawks set the tone early, taking a 35-22 lead into halftime. Lindenwood struggled to find its rhythm, with Dontrez Williams being the lone bright spot, scoring 20 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Despite Williams' efforts, the Lions couldn't mount a significant comeback, as UT Martin's balanced attack proved too much to handle.
The Skyhawks' defense was particularly impressive, holding Lindenwood to just 22 points in the first half. UT Martin's offense, on the other hand, was clicking on all cylinders, with Trnka, Deniusas, and Bukumirović all making significant contributions. The trio's combined 45 points accounted for nearly two-thirds of the Skyhawks' total output.
In the second half, Lindenwood showed signs of life, scoring 33 points, but it was too little, too late. UT Martin's lead never dipped below 10 points, and the Skyhawks coasted to a 14-point victory. The win marked a strong performance by UT Martin, which was led by its trio of top performers. Trnka's 17 points paced the Skyhawks, while Deniusas and Bukumirović added 14 points each, with Deniusas also grabbing 7 rebounds and Bukumirović securing 6 rebounds.
For Lindenwood, the loss drops its record to 12-9. Despite the defeat, Williams' 20-point performance was a highlight for the Lions. Anias Futrell and Clayton Jackson also chipped in with 10 and 8 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Skyhawks' balanced attack.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For UT Martin, the win counts as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not significantly boost its tournament chances but does help to pad its win total. On the other hand, Lindenwood's loss falls under Quadrant 3, which is somewhat more forgivable but still a missed opportunity for the Lions to bolster their resume.
As the season progresses, UT Martin want to build on this win and continue to strengthen its position. With a net ranking of 190, the Skyhawks are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament, but a strong finish to the season could change that. For Lindenwood, the focus will be on bouncing back from this loss and securing more impressive victories to boost its tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 236, the Lions have work to do to become a serious contender.