ST. CHARLES, Mo. (Interstat) — A surging Lindenwood squad will look to continue its strong start to the season when it hosts a struggling Morehead State team to open Ohio Valley Conference play on Thursday, Jan. 1. The Lions (9-4) enter the New Year’s Day matchup at Robert F. Hyland Performance Arena having won seven of their last nine games, including a dominant 71-36 victory over Ottawa on Monday. Lindenwood has shown balance, with forward Alyssa Nielsen coming off a 14-point, 7-rebound performance. The Lions’ early success includes a notable 68-52 road win at Drake and an 87-55 rout of Eastern Illinois. Morehead State (5-8) seeks consistency after a season of stark contrasts. The Eagles are coming off a 115-36 blowout of Ky. Christian on Sunday, but that win snapped a four-game losing streak that included decisive defeats to powerhouses Notre Dame (97-48) and Louisville (96-49). Their offense has fluctuated, making the play of guard Josefine Enander crucial. Enander erupted for 23 points in 25 minutes in the last outing but was held to single digits in four of the six games prior. The game marks the conference opener for both teams. Lindenwood will rely on its defensive presence and home-court advantage, having gone 5-1 in St. Charles this season. Morehead State, just 2-6 on the road, must find a way to translate its occasional explosive scoring against a tougher Lions defense. The teams will meet again in Kentucky on Jan. 31. For now, the Lions aim to protect home court and build on their promising record, while the Eagles hope to carry momentum from their lopsided win into meaningful conference play.