RIO GRANDE, Ohio -- Lindsey Wilson College junior Charles Baker made critical plays on both ends of the court to help the Blue Raiders withstand a University of Rio Grande flurry today in a 72-69 win at Newt Oliver Arena.

Baker scored 15 of his team-high 18 points in the first half to help the Blue Raiders build as much as a 15-point lead over the host RedStorm. He capped the Blue Raider win with a deflection that led to a LWC steal on an in-bound play with 2.4 seconds left in the game to secure win.

With the win, Lindsey Wilson improves to 17-8 overall and 8-6 in the Mid-South Conference. Rio Grande falls to 5-20 overall and 0-14 in the conference.

Baker and junior Chase Spreen helped the Blue Raiders build a first-half double digit lead before leading 39-30 at the half. In the second half, Lindsey Wilson extended that lead to 15 points (53-38) before the RedStorm mounted their comeback.

Rio Grande's Robbie Jackson led the charge inside while Doug Campbell scored from the perimeter as the RedStorm methodically chipped away at the Lindsey Wilson lead. Jackson finished with a game-high 23 points and Campbell added 12 points -- nine in the second half.

Rio Grande closed within three points (68-65) after Campbell made a pair of free throws with 37 seconds left. Spreen ended a three minute Lindsey Wilson scoring drought with a run-out dunk to give the Blue Raiders a 70-65 lead with 30 seconds left in the game.

Lindsey Wilson senior Brandon Clemons extended the lead to 71-65 after making one of two free throws following a rebound of Rio Grande missed shot. But Rio's Dani Marti answered with a basket to cut the LWC lead to 71-67 with 11.3 seconds left.

Following a Rio foul, Baker connected on one of two free throws to give the Blue Raiders a five point advantage. Mardi answered again with a put-back with 2.4 seconds left cut the Lindsey Wilson lead to 72-69.

On the subsequent in-bounds, the Blue Raiders committed their 14th turnover of the game giving the RedStorm one final chance.

But Baker's deflection forced the 20th Rio Grande turnover and sealed the win.

Lindsey Wilson finished the game shooting 44.2 percent (23-of-52 from the field while limiting the RedStorm to just 37.7 percent (26-of-69). Rio Grande out-rebounded the Blue Raiders 51-31.

Lindsey Wilson returns to action at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Feb. 17, as the Blue Raiders host Shawnee State University at Biggers Sports Center.