LSU Shreveport Survives Late Push to Defeat North American 84-81

STAFFORD, Texas — In a tightly contested battle that featured five ties and four lead changes, the LSU Shreveport men's basketball team delivered another poised road performance, escaping with an 84-81 victory over North American University on Saturday afternoon to remain perfect in Red River Athletic Conference play.

The Pilots improved to 13-3 overall and 10-0 in RRAC action, while the Stallions moved to 9-6 and 5-5 in conference play.

North American controlled the early tempo, building a nine-point first-half advantage behind efficient perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. LSU Shreveport weathered the early storm, trimming the deficit late in the half as Hayden Brittingham and Emareyon McDonald ignited a closing run that sent the Pilots into the break trailing just 40-39.

The second half unfolded into a possession-by-possession fight. Thaddeus Johnson knocked down a three-pointer to even the score, and neither team led by more than three points the rest of the way. LSU Shreveport's ability to convert at the free-throw line proved decisive, as the Pilots went 20-of-26 at the stripe compared to North American's 3-of-5.

LSUS shot an efficient 50.9 percent from the floor and 50 percent from beyond the arc, while matching the Stallions on the glass in a near-even rebounding battle. The Pilots also generated 21 assists on 29 made baskets, reflecting the balanced offensive flow that helped counter North American's 10 three-pointers.

Down the stretch, Brittingham's interior dominance and Alexzaye Johnson's steady decision-making guided LSUS through the final minutes. North American pulled within one in the closing seconds, but the Pilots closed the door at the line and forced a final missed three-pointer to seal the win.

Brittingham recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 26 points and 14 rebounds, adding six assists, three steals, and two blocks in a commanding all-around effort. Alexzaye Johnson finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Emareyon McDonald and Thaddeus Johnson each added 13 points, while Khi Wallace contributed 12.

Joseph Cormier led North American with 24 points. Jayden Jackson posted 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Tevin Gowens recorded a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds, and Jamarric Hammond added 10 rebounds and five steals for the Stallions.

LSU Shreveport returns home to The Dock on January 10, hosting Our Lady of the Lake University for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.