PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball program received an otherworldly performance from big man Jude Akabueze, but difficulties from the charity stripe (8-of-17, 47.1%) derailed their chances for victory as University of the Southwest (New Mexico) prevailed in extras, 75-71.
 
The Basics: 
 

• Score (Overtime)
  • Southwest (New Mexico) – 75
  • Louisiana Christian – 71

  

• Records
  • Louisiana Christian (3-6, 1-3 Red River)
  • Southwest-New Mexico (5-5, 2-3 Red River)

 

• Location
  • Pineville, Louisiana – H.O. West Fieldhouse

  

• Series History (Since 2007-08)
  • Louisiana Christian Leads 3-1 (75%)

  

• Winning Streak (Since 2007-08)
  • Southwest-New Mexico (W1) | Louisiana Christian's Last Win: January 19, 2023 (85-69)

 
Wildcats Top Performers: 
 

• Akabueze came through in the clutch time and time again as he had a career evening, setting new personal-bests regarding points (29) and field goals (14), shot an absurd 77.8% from the field (14-of-18), hauled down a season-most 14 boards including eight offensively, and took away multiple possessions with a pair of steals on his way to his first double-double of 2023 and tenth overall.

 

• Charles Jones was nearly as efficient as his teammate, going 5-for-7 (71.4%) with 11 points and a half-dozen rebounds, the latter of which being a season-most.

 

• Konnor DeJean spent all but six minutes on the court, notching a career-best six assists to lead all student-athletes in addition to eight points.

 

• D'Marcus Fugett was generous in his own right by passing out a quartet of dimes to eager scorers while Gary Smith posted a solid nine points for the good guys.

 
Notes:
 

• Louisiana Christian surrendered its fewest three-pointers (4) and assists (13) plus the lowest percentage from deep (28.6%) of the campaign, but it was not enough to come away victorious.

 
Next:
  

• Coach Mason's men welcome the Gents from Centenary (Louisiana) to Pineville for its final contest of 2023, Tuesday at 7 p.m. on campus.

 
Follow the men's basketball program on Twitter/X (@LCU_MBSK) and Instagram (@LCU.MBB).
 
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