Todd Ryals

Late Push Not Enough For Wildcats

12/1/2017 2:13:00 AM

By: LC Sports Information - Brad Welborn

Box Score

Despite an impressive push to erase a large second half deficit, the Louisiana College men's basketball team was unable to finish the task in their American Southwest Conference opener Thursday night. McMurry University finished the game on a 21-4 run to secure their first win of the season 91-73 over the Wildcats. LC returns to action Saturday afternoon against two-time ASC tournament champion Hardin-Simmons.

McMurry came out of the gate strong with an 11-1 run through the first three minutes of the game to take a tight grip on the game early. After a timeout by the Wildcats, Lashard Powell knocked down his first three-pointer of the game to end the War Hawks long run. Still down by nine later in the first half, the Wildcats were finally able to string their offensive chances together and erase the deficit. An 11-0 run by the Wildcats gave them their first lead of the game, thanks in large part to going 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

The long stretch by the Wildcats was quickly answered by the War Hawks who outscored LC 31-15 over the final 9:02 of the half. McMurry extended their lead to double digits on a three-pointer with just over four minutes to go and pushed it to as much as 17 within the final minute of the half. A pair of free throws from McMurry's Larandall Scroggins with five seconds left gave the War Hawks a 48-32 lead at the break.

The lead continued to grow for the War Hawks early in the second half as they continued to make timely shots, including knocking down multiple shots from behind the three point line. The rebound advantage also favored the War Hawks in the game as they picked up 25 more rebounds than LC did in the game, including 14 offensive rebounds and 18 second chance points.

With the lead still sitting at 13 for McMurry at the halfway point of the second half, the decision to go with a smaller lineup and more speed and agility paid off for the Wildcats. Sending four freshmen onto the floor with the junior point guard Timothy Stokes, the Wildcats were able to create multiple turnovers and force the hand of the War Hawks on many occasions. The Wildcats turned a 13-point deficit at the 9:24 mark of the half into a five-point game with just under seven minutes to go.

The amount of energy required to play that style of basketball for that length of time took it's toll on the Wildcats as the War Hawks settled into the game once again and knocked down their free throw attempts when given the chance. LC entered the double bonus with more than nine minutes to go in the game and McMurry made 13 of their 14 attempts to secure the 95-73 win over the Cats.

Freshman guard Lashard Powell led the Wildcats with 19 points in the game, his second straight double digit scoring effort. Devon Washington was the only other Wildcats in double figures with 15 points, and also led LC with six rebounds. Timothy Stokes and D'Aaron Davis each had eight points on 3-of-5 shooting.

The Wildcats take on Hardin-Simmons in the their contest on Saturday afternoon at Rapides Parish Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 4pm, following the conclusion of the women's game. Stay connected to Louisiana College basketball all season by following @LC_MBSK on Twitter. For general athletics news follow @LC_Wildcats on Twitter or like Louisiana College Wildcats on Facebook.

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