Box Score

HOBBS, N.M. – The Louisiana Christian University men's basketball program held the Mustangs' offense to 14 points lower than its season average (85.3) by taking the outside shot almost completely away, ceding just 1-of-11 triples for a paltry 9.1% conversion rate as the Cats clinched a ticket to the conference tournament with a 74-71 victory.

While Southwest struggled from three-point land, Coach Mason's men thrived, going 9-for-19 from long range for a 47.4% clip.

The Basics:

• Score
  • Louisiana Christian – 74
  • Southwest (New Mexico) – 71

• Records
  • Louisiana Christian (12-13, 11-10 Red River)
  • Southwest-New Mexico (14-10, 11-10 Red River)

• Location
  • Hobbs, New Mexico – Jack & Mabel Maddox Student Life Center

• Series History
  • Wildcats Lead 5-2 (71.4%)

• Winning Streak
  • Wildcats (W2) | Mustangs' Last Win: February 3, 2024 (97-90)

Wildcats Top Performers:

• Corey Lombard came through for his biggest performance at LCU to date, narrowly missing out on his first career double-double before settling for a season-high in rebounds (9, game-high), field goals (6), and minutes (28) on top of 12 points on 60% shooting as well as a pair of blocks as a reserve.

• Bryce Weinmunson felt charitable in Hobbs, handing out a personal/contest-best six assists along with contributing 16 points including a trio of long balls in the process.

• Devin Carter did his usual thing, leading all players with 22 points (7-for-15, 46.7%) and a half-dozen triples (6-of-9, 66.7%) while sprinkling in a campaign/contest-most three steals into the mix.

• With the club's primary rebounder getting into quick foul trouble, Corey Lombard and Omarion Layssard picked up the slack with 13 boards between them as nine of those came as second chance opportunities down low.

Next:

• With its spot in the top eight secured, the Orange and Blue now turn to improving their seeding, starting with Saturday's matchup at Paul Quinn (3 p.m.).

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).

#ClawsUp