SAN ANTONIO – Louisiana Christian University's men's basketball team came up just short to Our Lady of the Lake on Saturday as the host Saints claimed a thrilling 84-82 win.
 
The Wildcats overcame a 56-40 deficit with 16 unanswered points early in the second half before the teams battled back-and-forth to the end. LCU had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but the final 3-point attempt was off the mark.
 
Bailey Hardy (Lake Charles, La. / St. Louis Catholic HS) scored a career-high 26 points and all six of his 3-point attempts to lead the Wildcats (5-6, 1-3 RRAC). His six 3-point baskets Saturday was also a career high for the senior.
 
Gary Smith (Prairieville, La. / Xavier University) scored 19 points off the LCU bench. The Wildcats also got 14 points and nine rebounds from K.J. Bilbo (Bossier City, La. / Centenary College), while Delor Johnson (Houston, Texas / Southern University) chipped in 12 points. 
 
The 'Cats will have two weeks off for Christmas and return to action Saturday, Dec. 31, when they host Central Baptist College (Ark.). The game against the Mustangs will be the LCU men's basketball home opener, and begin at 2 p.m.