PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball team kept things tight for most of Saturday's game against LSU Shreveport, but a 17-0 late second half run cemented a 78-57 loss to the Pilots Saturday afternoon on the Gene Rushing Court at H.O. West Fieldhouse.
While Louisiana Christian (1-9, 0-4 RRAC) would not lead in the contest, LSU Shreveport (7-3, 5-0 RRAC) was not able to pull away. The Wildcats tied the score four times during the early going, but LSUS eventually opened a nine-point edge in the first half at 30-21 with 6:30 remaining in it.
LCU responded with eight of the next 10 points to get back within three at 32-29 as
Tomario Thomas, Jr. hit a three-pointer. The Pilots took a 35-31 lead into the halftime locker room.
The Wildcats continued to play well into the second half, tying the score back up one last time as
Justice Kelly got into the paint for a lay-up to make it 41-41 with 16:30 left.
Louisiana Christian kept the deficit within three possessions as, with nine minutes left,
Larry Lee hit a jump shot from the free throw line to make it 57-50 Pilots.
But that's where LSUS started its big run, scoring the next 17 points as the Wildcat drought lasted more than 7:30, jumping out to a 74-50 lead before
Corey Lombard, Jr. ended the dry spell with a lay-up with 2:15 left in the contest.
Kelly's acquired his 17 points as he hit seven of his 14 field goal attempts, including two of his three attempts from deep. He also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, came up with three steals, and dished out a pair of assists.
Thomas, Jr. came off the bench to score 10 points, hitting three three-pointers. He also grabbed a rebound and had an assist.
Bryce Weinmunson matched Kelly's seven rebounds to share team-high honors. He also scored six points and dished out five assists.
The Wildcats start a five-game road trip on Thursday as LCU heads to Tyler, Texas to take on Texas College. Tip-off of Thursday's contest against the Steers (1-0, 0-4 RRAC) is set for 7:30 p.m. at Gus F. Taylor Gymnasium.
