PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball program looked to have sealed the game with a massive block by Jude Akabueze in the waning moments as a Gentlemen player drove towards the hoop. What looked to be clean was seen otherwise by the referee who gave Centenary (Louisiana) two free throws with 3.5 seconds left which, after making both, was ultimately the difference in a heartbreaking 69-68 setback.

The Basics:
  

• Score
  • Centenary (Louisiana) – 69
  • Louisiana Christian – 68

 

• Records
  • Louisiana Christian (3-7, 1-3 Red River)
  • Centenary-Louisiana (6-6, 1-2 SCAC)

 

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

  

• Series History (Since 2007-08)
  • Centenary (Louisiana) Leads 7-4 (36.4%)

 

• Winning Streak (Since 2007-08)
  • Centenary-Louisiana (W1) | Louisiana Christian's Last Win: November 16, 2022 (63-51)

 
Wildcats Top Performers:
 

• Akabueze put on his Superman cape once again as he tried to will the Cats to victory, dropping a double-double of a contest-best 21 points and 13 rebounds as well as a pair of blocks plus a steal. The Nigerian was literally perfect from both the field (8-for-8) and the charity stripe (5-of-5).

 

• Drew Tebbe played excellent defense with a career/game-high four steals while the rest of his teammates combined for five, on top of dishing out three assists.

 

• Gary Smith also set a new personal benchmark for boards with six in addition to seven points.

 

• Jon'Quarius McGhee had his best night in Orange and Blue from a non-scoring perspective, cataloging a season-most six rebounds, five dimes (led all players), and 28 minutes of court time.

 

• Charles Jones (11) and Frederick Shields III (10) combined to put 21 points on the board for Coach Mason with the former adding two steals and a blocked shot.

 
Notes:
 

• The Wildcats defense yielded season-lows of 22 field goals made, a 23.1% three-point percentage, and six offensive rebounds while allowing its second-lowest point total of the year at 69.

 
Next:
  

• The men from Pineville have the next 15 days off before returning to the hardwood on January 4 when they kick off a five-game, Red River road trip at Jarvis Christian in Hawkins, Texas.

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