Defensive Pressure Fuels LSUS Past North American, 81-61

STAFFORD, Texas – Fueled by relentless defensive pressure and efficient perimeter shooting, LSU Shreveport secured a wire-to-wire 81-61 victory over North American University on Saturday afternoon. The win keeps the Pilots unbeaten in RRAC play at 10-0 and moves LSUS to 14-2 overall, while North American slips to 6-5 and 4-5 in conference action.

LSUS controlled the game from the opening tip and never trailed, building a 20-13 first-quarter lead before stretching the margin to 41-25 at halftime. The Pilots' defense forced 24 North American turnovers, which LSUS converted into 35 points, providing a decisive advantage throughout the afternoon. LSU Shreveport pushed the lead to as many as 27 in the third quarter and carried a 60-36 advantage into the final period.

The Pilots shot 43.9 percent from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers at a 41.4 percent clip. LSU Shreveport also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 75 percent of its attempts while limiting North American to 47.1 percent at the stripe. The teams finished even on the glass with 36 rebounds apiece, but LSUS' ball pressure and efficiency created consistent separation.

Selma Markisic led all players with 27 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Paula Gonzalez Herrero added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block. Sami Slusarek contributed 14 points, three steals, and two assists, while Toni Coleman filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six assists, and four steals. Amandine L'Etang and Ally Fleenor each grabbed seven rebounds.

Aliyah Solis paced North American with 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Akyia Hodges posted 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Maurdaisha Powell recorded 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

LSU Shreveport returns home on January 15 to host Our Lady of the Lake University at The Dock. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.