LSUS Edged by Xavier, 88-84, in Back-and-Forth Battle at The Dock

SHREVEPORT, La. — LSU Shreveport dropped a hard-fought 88-84 decision to Xavier University of Louisiana on Saturday afternoon at The Dock, falling to 21-5 overall and 18-2 in RRAC play. 

The Pilots came out sharp, jumping to an early 8-0 lead behind strong work on the glass from James Johnson and efficient play from Thaddeus Johnson. LSUS controlled much of the first half, leading by as many as eight and taking a 43-42 edge into the break after a layup by Khi Wallace in the final minute.

The second half featured 10 lead changes and multiple ties, with neither team able to create much separation. Xavier used a 7-0 run midway through the half to take a 49-46 advantage, but the Pilots responded with aggressive drives from Emareyon McDonald and key finishes from Wallace to keep the game within one possession.

LSUS found its rhythm late, taking an 83-77 lead with 2:58 remaining after back-to-back buckets from James Johnson and Devonte Austin. However, Xavier answered down the stretch behind Bentravin Phillips, who scored five points in the final two minutes, including the go-ahead jumper with four seconds remaining.

After tying the game at 84-84 with just over a minute left, the Pilots had chances at the line in the closing seconds but were unable to convert. Xavier sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the four-point victory.

McDonald led LSUS with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Wallace added 17 points and six rebounds, while Thaddeus Johnson contributed 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds. James Johnson finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, and Alexzaye Johnson added 10 points and three assists.

Phillips paced Xavier with 26 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Nasir DeGruy added 15 points, while Seviuhn Turner and Mason Guillory each chipped in 12. Xavier's bench proved pivotal, outscoring LSUS 56-23.

As a team, LSUS shot 48.3 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from three, while holding a 35-33 rebounding edge and a 40-30 advantage in points in the paint. The difference came in transition and off turnovers, where Xavier converted 18 points off 12 LSUS turnovers.

The Pilots will be back in action on Feb. 19 as they travel to Texas A&M-San Antonio. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.