PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball program had a chance to either tie or win the contest in the waning seconds, but Drew Tebbe's open floater clanged off the iron as North American held on for a 70-67 decision.
 
The Basics:
 

• Score
  • North American – 70
  • Louisiana Christian – 67

 

• Records
  • Louisiana Christian (5-17, 3-13 Red River)
  • North American (9-14, 8-8 Red River)

 

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

  

• Series History (Since 2007-08)
  • North American Leads 2-0 (0%)

 

• Winning Streak (Since 2007-08)
  • North American (W2) | Louisiana Christian's Last Win: N/A

 
Wildcats Top Performers: 
 

• Jude Akabueze contributed his ninth double-double of the campaign, tying for the contest-best with 12 rebounds in addition to 13 points while blocking two shots and dishing out his fifth assist of 2023-24 on 5-for-9 (55.6%).

 

• For the second consecutive night and third time this year, Gary Smith logged a career/match-high four steals as well as leading all scorers at 16 points by making 7-of-15 (46.7%).

 

• Sam Wren hit a career milestone during his six minutes on the floor, splashing his first collegiate points, pulling up from way downtown for a three-pointer.

 

• Omarion Layssard wrangled up a season-high six boards and Branthony Brown logged a multi-steal outing for the second time in his Louisiana Christian tenure and for the first time since the 2021 opener.

 
Notes:
 

• LCU cleaned up on the offensive boards, snatching a season-most 20 second chance opportunities while forcing the Stallions into a 2023-24 defensive best 21 miscues.

 
Next:
  

• If Saturday's matchup with Xavier (Louisiana) is as entertaining as the last meeting, fans are in for a treat as the Gold Rush came away victorious in overtime on January 13 and the Wildcats will try to end its four-game slide.

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