The upcoming women’s basketball game between Eastern and Lindenwood looks to be an offensive shootout.

Lindenwood has the fourth highest average points per game (APG) in the Ohio Valley Conference with 67.60 points per game.

Yet, this high scoring offense is also coupled with the Lions struggling defense, ranked 9th out of 11 in the OVC for allowed points per game.

This combo has led to the second worst record in the OVC as the Lions have an overall record of 3-12 and a 1-4 record in conference play.

Teams have been exploiting Lindenwood’s defense all season as only three teams have shot below 70 points against the Lions.

Eastern’s head coach Matthew Bollant has been trying to figure out how to maximize his team’s production against Lindenwood’s defense.

He noted they utilize the press more than most teams and have a good rotation of players.

Naturally, Bollant has been working with his players on getting past the press. He added that it had been a focus for the team coming up to the Lindenwood game.

Eastern will be going to St. Charles, Missouri, with the sixth ranked offense in the OVC, averaging 68 points per game.

Unlike Lindenwood, Eastern has the fifth ranked defense in the conference.

Bollant has also been planning ways to protect against the Lions’ high powered dribble drive motion offense.

This offense relies on ball handling and the athletes’ aggressive mindset.

The Panthers certainly expect this to be a tough game. Bollant pointed to the Lions’ previous games in the OVC as an example.

“We expect it to be a tough game,” Bollant said. “They just won [Thursday] against Edwardsville, they almost beat Southern Indiana at home as well who is undefeated in our league.”

The game will take place on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Aidan Cusack can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].