GRR's #2 Life University defeated #1 Lindenwood on the road in St. Charles, Mo. Saturday.

It wasn't really a surprise in that Life has only lost to Lindenwood once (albeit earlier this season) in 15s, and often plays very well at Lindenwood. This is what happened on Saturday night. Life came in girded for payback and edged Lindenwood 32-26.

Life opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a try from Wium Becker, and while Lindenwood's Evan Williams slotted two penalties take the lead 6-5, But tries were elusive, and after Bradley Crane slotted a penalty for Life to retake the lead, Chulu Mngxaso charged over with a try that Crane converted and it was 15-6 at halftime.

The second half was a thriller as Lindenwood looked to come back. Crane slotted another penalty, but then Lindenwood started to exert pressure. Life started infringing to hold out the Lions and got a yellow card for their pains, after which Lidnenwood mauled it over for their first try. Flanker Juan Mota Sanchez then peeled off a maul to get his team close and Rhys Smith set up wing Cael Hodgson for a try in the corner. That made it 18-18.

Life camped out at the Lindenwood line and Crane went over to regain the lead for the Running Eagles. And then as the game wound down Chase Schor-Haskin went over. Crane converted and it was 32-18 Life.

With very little time to do anything about it all, Lindenwood responded. Coleson Warner intercepted a Life pass and was in at the corner. Evan Williams added a penalty to put his side within a score with about five minutes left.

Lindenwood surged on even after time was up, but Life held on and sealed it at 32-26.

"Credit to the men for going back to the grindstone after our last encounter with Lindenwood, and ultimately coming out much improved today," Life Head Coach Colton Cariaga said. "The effort and eagerness to stay locked in and focused throughout, from seniors and underclassmen alike, was great for the maturation of this team. We showed glimpses of how good we can be and we will want more of that moving forward."

For Lindenwood it was a clear reminder that it isn't all going to be handed to you.

This was one of several ranked matchups over the weekend.

#2 LIfe 32-26 #1 Lindenwood
#4 Central Wasington 27-27 #6 BYU
#5 Arizona 62-20 #13 Grand Canyon