Wildcats Approach Must-Win Scenario

1/26/2018 12:33:00 PM

By: LC Sports Information - Brad Welborn

With just seven games remaining on the schedule the Louisiana College men's basketball team finds themselves in near must-win territory if they have hopes of returning to the American Southwest Conference tournament. The Wildcats picked up a needed win on Monday night over Belhaven but have stiff competition ahead of them with back-to-back games against a talented University of Texas at Dallas team. LC caps off a month long road trip Saturday against the Comets before beginning a six-game home stretch to finish the season.

UT Dallas 12-6 (8-3) | 3rd ASC East

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The Comets are on a three game winning streak entering Saturday's game against the Wildcats. Their last two games saw them score over 100 points each, with a 103-54 dismantling of Belhaven on Thursday night. UTD is averaging 79.6, which puts them at eighth in conference, but they sit atop the ASC defensive category, holding opponents to 70.7 points per game. As a team the Comets are shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 69.8 percent from the free throw line on the year. Their top scorer is last season's freshman of the year Dimitrius Underwood who is putting in 16.6 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounding and ranks in the top 10 in the conference in both categories. They also have two other players in double figures this year to go along with Underwood's numbers. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at the UTD Activity Center in Richardson, Texas.

Louisiana College 4-12 (2-9) | 5th ASC East

The Wildcats got a much needed win on Monday night over Belhaven, but still find themselves chasing a tournament spot with just a handful of games remaining on the season. The win has the Wildcats sitting 4.0 games behind UT Tyler for the final spot out of the East with seven games left. Defense has been the strength of the Wildcats team through the season, ranking third in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 78.6 points per game to their opponents. The Wildcats have been methodical on the offensive side, having attempted the fewest amount of shots of any team in the ASC, with a 46.2 shooting percentage, seventh best in the conference. Devon Washington continues to be the Wildcats big threat around the basket, leading the team at 15.7 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game. He is 12th in the ASC in scoring and second in rebounding.

The Wildcats finish their 2017-18 road schedule with Saturday's game and begins a six-game home stand to finish the season as they chase a tournament spot at the end of February. The home stand begins next Thursday at Rapides Coliseum with UT Dallas and continues the following Monday with Belhaven and LeTourneau and ETBU at H.O. West Fieldhouse the following weekend. Stay connected to Louisiana College men's basketball 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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