MOBILE, Ala. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball team used a 14-5 run over most of the game's final five minutes to pull away from the University of Mobile as the Wildcats avenged an earlier loss by taking down the Rams 72-63 Saturday afternoon as H. Austill Pharr Gymnasium.
 
Much like the first meeting, neither team could really pull away as both teams as the score stayed relatively close. With just about four minutes remaining in the first half and the Wildcats up two, a lay-up by Ferontay Banks started an eight-point push by LCU to get the game's first double-digit lead, which came with just less than 2:30 left before halftime following a lay-up by Kae'ron Baker that put LCU up 36-26. The Wildcats left 36-28 at the break.
 
Early in the second half, LCU built up the lead to as much as 14 points as a Malik Cooper jumper gave the Wildcats a 46-32 lead with 15:40 left in the game. But Mobile had one push to put the game in jeopardy again as a 13-3 Rams run turned a 55-42 LCU lead into just a 58-55 lead with five minutes remaining.
 
However, that was where the game-clinching run began as Juda Akabueze scored on LCU's ensuing possession. Over the next few minutes, the Rams went cold while the Wildcats took a parade to the free throw line to slowly build up the lead. Finally, with just seconds left, KJ Bilbo scored at the rim to make it 72-60 Wildcats to finish off the win before a Mobile three at the horn provided the game's final points.
 
"Our kids showed tons of poise on the road today," said Louisiana Christian head men's basketball coach Reni Mason. It's tough to win on the road. Kudos to our staff and players for the preparation for this game. But now we have to immediately re-focus our attention with Centenary coming here on a short week."
 
Kae'ron Baker was all over the place against the Ram, scoring 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds and being credited with seven assists. Malik Cooper had a perfect night shooting, going seven-of-seven from the field and four-of-four from the free throw line to finish with 18 points to go along with six rebounds. Jude Akabueze scored ten points, grabbed four rebounds, and was credited with three blocked shots in the contest. LCU hit on 50% of their shots or better in both halves to finish the game at 50.9% shooting. The Rams shot just 35.7% in the first half but picked it up in the last 20 minutes to finish at 43.6% in the contest. The Wildcats dominated the boards, grabbing 37 rebounds compared to just 13 total boards for Mobile.
 
The Wildcats (3-3) look to get back above the .500 mark on Tuesday night as NCAA D-III Centenary comes to Pineville for a mid-week contest. Tip-off of Tuesday's match-up with the Gents (1-0) is set for 6:00 P.M. in H.O. West Fieldhouse.