Lindenwood Edges Morehead State in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Ellis T. Johnson Arena
Lindenwood Lions 79, Morehead State Eagles 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Lindenwood Lions vs Morehead State Eagles?
Lindenwood Lions beat Morehead State Eagles 79-78 at Ellis T. Johnson Arena on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Lindenwood Lions vs Morehead State Eagles?
Lindenwood Lions were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Lindenwood Lions narrowly defeated the Morehead State Eagles with a final score of 79-78 at Ellis T. Johnson Arena on January 31, 2026. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Lindenwood improving their record to 15-9, while Morehead State fell to 12-12. The Lions had previously won against the Eagles earlier in the season, which added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch.
Both teams came into this game with varying recent forms. Morehead State had a strong record of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak prior to this matchup. They averaged 77.8 points scored and allowed 73.3 points during this stretch. Their last five games showed a record of 4-1, with an average of 77.4 points scored and 74.8 points allowed, highlighting their offensive capabilities. In contrast, Lindenwood's recent form was more inconsistent, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and a one-game winning streak leading up to this encounter. They averaged 75.2 points scored and allowed 73.1 points during this period, with their last five games resulting in a 3-2 record and an average of 78.2 points scored.
At home, Morehead State had a solid record of 5-1 in their last six games, while Lindenwood's away record stood at 2-3. This home advantage was expected to play a crucial role in the game. However, the previous meetings between these two teams had favored Lindenwood, with the Eagles holding a 1-3 record in their last four encounters. The most recent meeting before this game was on January 1, 2026, where Lindenwood won decisively, 77-64.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to have their key players available, contributing to the competitive nature of the matchup. The betting market indicated that Lindenwood was favored by 1.5 points, as reported by DraftKings, with a total set at 148.5 points. The odds reflected a close contest, aligning with the anticipated competitive nature of the game.
The game conditions were typical for a mid-season collegiate basketball matchup, with both teams striving for a critical win to bolster their standings. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a thrilling display of basketball, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times.
In the closing moments of the game, the tension escalated as scoring plays unfolded. Anouar Mellouk made a crucial hook shot to bring Lindenwood within striking distance. Following this, Milos Nenadic's layup tied the game, while George Marshall's free throws put Lindenwood ahead. However, Morehead State's Mekhi Cooper and Anias Futrell responded with their own free throws, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
Ultimately, Anias Futrell's two free throws sealed the victory for Lindenwood, marking a significant win in their campaign. The game not only highlighted the resilience of both teams but also showcased the intensity of college basketball, making it a memorable fixture for fans and players alike.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIN -1.5 | 148.5 o -115 / u -105 | Lindenwood Lions -125 · Morehead State Eagles +105 |
Leaders
- PointsChase Dawson16Morehead State Eagles
- AssistsChase Dawson4Morehead State Eagles
- ReboundsAnouar Mellouk9Morehead State Eagles
- PointsAnias Futrell26Lindenwood Lions
- AssistsMekhi Cooper8Lindenwood Lions
- ReboundsAnias Futrell9Lindenwood Lions
Recent form
Morehead State Eagles
Last 10: 7-3Streak W477.8 scored · 73.3 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W67-65vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 30
- W73-68vs Eastern Illinois PanthersJan 24
- W71-66vs Western Illinois LeathernecksJan 23
- W76-70at Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 17
- L100-105at Tennessee State TigersJan 16
- W71-69vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 10
- L68-76vs UT Martin SkyhawksJan 9
- W73-72at SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 3
- L64-77at Lindenwood LionsJan 1
- W115-65vs Alice Lloyd EaglesDec 28
Lindenwood Lions
Last 10: 5-5Streak W175.2 scored · 73.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- W73-60at Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesJan 30
- L86-96vs Tennessee State TigersJan 24
- W89-68vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 23
- L55-69at UT Martin SkyhawksJan 17
- W88-76at Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 16
- L74-82vs Little Rock TrojansJan 10
- L62-66at SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 7
- W83-80vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesJan 3
- W77-64vs Morehead State EaglesJan 1
- L65-70at Missouri State BearsDec 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State | 23-10 | - | 15-5 |
| Morehead State | 20-13 | - | 15-5 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 20-13 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UT Martin | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 19-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Lindenwood | 18-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Little Rock | 12-20 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Tennessee Tech | 13-18 | 6 | 8-12 |
| Eastern Illinois | 13-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Southern Indiana | 7-23 | 11 | 4-16 |
| Western Illinois | 5-26 | 14 | 1-19 |
Box score
| Stat | Lindenwood Lions | Morehead State Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-52 | 25-57 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-24 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 31 |
| Free throws | 20-29 | 23-30 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 14 | 10 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 30 | 59 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-47Davion Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-49Vince Dawson III makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half50-49Mekhi Cooper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Anias Futrell assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Vince Dawson III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Josiah LeGree assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Tamaury Releford makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half51-54Anias Futrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55George Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56George Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-56Milos Nenadic makes layup
- 2nd Half53-58George Marshall makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-58Milos Nenadic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-58Anias Futrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Anias Futrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Vince Dawson III makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jon Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half58-61Dontrez Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-61Anias Futrell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-62Jon Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Jon Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Dontrez Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-63Anias Futrell makes layup (Clayton Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Dontrez Williams makes 6-foot dunk (Mekhi Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Chase Dawson makes 26-foot three point jumper (George Marshall assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Milos Nenadic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-67George Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68George Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-68Dontrez Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Chase Dawson makes driving layup (Anouar Mellouk assists)
- 2nd Half71-70Milos Nenadic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half71-72Anouar Mellouk makes 9-foot hook shot (Chase Dawson assists)
- 2nd Half72-72Milos Nenadic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72Milos Nenadic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Anouar Mellouk makes layup
- 2nd Half73-76Anouar Mellouk makes 12-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half75-76Milos Nenadic makes layup (Mekhi Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half75-77George Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-78George Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Mekhi Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Mekhi Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-78Anias Futrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-78Anias Futrell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Morehead State Eagles, below favours Lindenwood Lions.
Venue
- Ellis T. Johnson ArenaMorehead, KY
- Attendance1177
- OfficialsAustin Jones, Isaiah Conrad, John Garrett
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond