LIVE STATS | AUDIO

SETTING THE SCENE
The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's basketball team begins its 40th season of intercollegiate play on Saturday as the Tritons host Lindenwood at 5:30 p.m.

UMSL IN SEASON OPENERS
In the previous 39 season openers, the Tritons have posted a record of 26-13. UMSL posted a 53-50 decision over Hannibal LaGrange in last year's lid lifter, which was also at home.  

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Lindenwood is 1-1 overall, having split games on the opening weekend of play. The Lions lost an 84-74 decision to Arkansas-Monticello before bouncing back with a 76-44 win over LeMoyne-Owen. Marissa Lehning was the top scorer in the two games, averaging 15.0 points per game. Lindenwood returns four of its six top scorers from its 2012-13 team, including Lehning, which finished 4-22 last season.

SERIES HISTORY
UMSL owns a 5-4 advantage in the series, having won two straight, including a 67-62 decision in St. Charles last season. The Tritons outscored the Lions 8-3 in the final three minutes and hit 4-of-5 free throws in the final 24 seconds to preserve the win. Then sophomore Kelly McGovern scored 14 points, while then junior Hazaria Washington had 10 points and five steals. UMSL forced 28 turnovers and outscored the Lions, 28-10, in points off turnovers.

LAST TIME OUT
The Tritons last played two weeks ago when they defeated NCAA Division I Saint Louis, 59-52, in exhibition play. UMSL took a 32-24 lead into halftime, ending the opening stanza on a 14-1 run. The Billikens knotted the score early in the second half, but a pair of runs, including a 7-2 burst late in the game, helped the Tritons to the win. Senior transfer Alyssa Like recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge.

UP NEXT
UMSL travels to Nashville, Tenn., next Friday and Saturday for the Pops Duncan Classic, hosted by Trevecca Nazarene. The Tritons will play the host school on Friday before meeting Grand Valley State on Saturday.