LUBBOCK, Texas – The Oklahoma Baptist men's basketball team couldn't overcome a slow shooting night as the Bison struggled to contain a hot shooting Lubbock Christian team as the Chaparrals pulled away for a 79-55 win in the South Central Region Semifinals.
OBU shot a season-low 20 of 58 (35%) from the field, including 29 percent in the first half. The Bison knocked down nine 3-pointers, including seven in the second half, but were just 6 of 9 (67%) at the free throw line.
On the other side, Lubbock shot 32 of 62 (52%) from the field, including 10 of 21 (48%) from deep. The Chaps were unreal offensively, only turning it over two times while holding a 35-34 advantage in rebounds. LCU held a 36-20 advantage in the paint and an 11-2 lead in points off turnovers.
The Chaps came out hot and stayed hot, opened up a 6-0 lead and pushing it to an 11-2 lead in the first three minutes. The lead extended to 18 at the under 12 mark as they pushed it out to 27-9, shooting near 80 percent in the early going.
LCU began to cool down as OBU started to get some stops, but the Bison were dreadful from the field in the first half. Free throw shooting helped OBU cut it back down and eventually the Bison chipped it to 10 points at 36-26 on a
Jordan Thompson jumper.
The Chaps added a bucket in the last 30 seconds of the half to make it a 38-26 margin at the break.
OBU kept pushing in the second half, getting the LCU lead down to 12 seven different times, but could never get over the hump and get it into single digits to truly make Lubbock Christian sweat.
Jarius Hicklen and
Harrison Stoddart picked it up from behind arc, connecting on a combined five 3-pointers, but the Chaps eventually pulled away, using a 12-0 run to close the game and advance to the Regional Final.
Hicklen scored 14 points with three 3-pointers, while Stoddart added his eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.
Jaquan Simms scored nine, and Thompson had eight points and two 3-pointers.
Nigel Wilcox had five points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while
Brantly Thompson and
Trey Green each had three points apiece.
Rowan Mackenzie led LCU with 18 points and six boards, while Lloyd Daniels had 17 points. Parker Hicks added a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Ty Coswell had 12 and four assists.
Oklahoma Baptist concludes a unique season at 16-6 overall and a GAC Western Division championship. It was their second straight year making the NCAA Tournament under third-year head coach
Jason Eaker.
