CAMPBELLVILLE, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College men's basketball team used a stingy defense to survive gritty Campbellsville (Ky.) University 65-62 tonight at the Powell Athletic Center.

The No. 16-ranked Blue Raiders (15-2, 2-0 in the Mid-South Conference) limited the Tigers to just 39.3 percent (22-of-56) shooting, including just four for 22 (18.2 percent) beyond the three-point arc.

Despite its suffocating defense, Lindsey Wilson struggled to find its identity on the offensive end.

Empty possessions and poor free throw shooting -- Lindsey Wilson made just four of its 12 freebies -- by the Blue Raiders helped the Tigers (7-10, 0-3) remain close and even lead late in the second half.

Lindsey Wilson senior Sam Walton's put-back off junior Andrija Tintor's miss gave the Blue Raiders the lead 62-61 lead with 1:44 left. Lindsey Wilson would not trail again, but they would have to sweat it out.

Fourteen seconds after giving the Blue Raiders the lead back, Walton stepped in the passing lane for one of his two steals on the night and fed a streaking Quintez Thomas for the fastbreak layup and a three point cushion.

The Blue Raiders had opportunities to seal the win but missed five of six free throws in the final 90 seconds. Thanks to the misses, Campbellsville had three chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute, but the Blue Raider defense held and Lindsey Wilson escaped with the 65-62 win.

Lindsey Wilson junior guard Eric McPherson led the Blue Raiders with 17 points. Tintor added 12.

Campbellsville senior Zach Allender finished with a game-high 28 points despite not scoring in the final 4:31 of the game. Sophomore Shawn Savage added 13 points.

Lindsey Wilson returns to action at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 24, as the Blue Raiders travel to University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) in Williamsburg.