NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball program gave the 21st-ranked Xavier University of Louisiana hoops squad all it could handle in a 45-minute dogfight, falling by seven in overtime by a 78-71 decision.
 
The Basics: 
  

• Score (Overtime)
  • #21 Xavier (Louisiana) – 78
  • Louisiana Christian – 71

 

• Records
  • Louisiana Christian (3-11, 1-7 Red River)
  • #21 Xavier-Louisiana (10-3, 6-2 Red River)

 

• Location
  • New Orleans, Louisiana – XULA Convocation Center

  

• Series History (Since 1952-53)
  • Xavier (Louisiana) Leads 16-13 (44.8%)

 

• Winning Streak (Since 1952-53)
  • Xavier-Louisiana (W1) | Louisiana Christian's Last Win: February 28, 2022 (60-59, RRAC Semifinals)

 
Wildcats Top Performers:
 

• Jude Akabueze was a one-man wrecking ball, hitting 11-of-13 (84.6%) shots for a game-most 24 points and nine rebounds while also setting personal benchmarks for both minutes played (32) as well as steals (3).

 

• Gary Smith relied heavily on the three-ball once again, swishing five triples to go along with four boards on his way to 17 total points.

 

• Malik Criner dropped a campaign-high five dimes to tie with Konnor DeJean for the club's most on the day.

 

• Omarion Layssard tallied a personal-record for assists at three in addition to a half-dozen points.

 
Notes:
 

• For the fourth time in 2023-24, LCU tied its season-high for three-pointers with eight while also handing out a campaign-best 21 assists.

 
Next:
  

• The road to break free of its current six-game losing streak does not get any easier with a trip across the river to face LSUA in Alexandria at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, weather permitting.

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