SHREVEPORT, LA---The Mustang Basketball program competed in their first two non-conference games of the season on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon. USW was up against another nationally ranked opponent, as they played a neutral court contest against the #14 Talladega College Tornadoes on the campus of LSU-Shreveport. The Tornadoes were 15-2 coming into the matchup and were winners of their previous 6 games. The Mustangs fell short in both games, losing 92-42 on Wednesday night and 108-69 on Thursday afternoon.
"Tough loss to a very big and talented Talladega team" said Head Coach
Cory Hitchcock. "They are #14 for a reason and I was really impressed by their team. They were active, communicated with each other well and did the little things. Just shows how far away we are from really being a great team. We have lots of work to do but I know the guys will be ready to go tomorrow at practice. I was pleased with our effort. With us being shorthanded, a lot of young guys are getting an opportunity to play right now and get some experience. They will get better as the season goes on. We are really green right now."
Talladega 92---USW 42
The Mustangs were led by senior guard
Nathaniel White Jr. on Thursday evening. White Jr. scored 14 points on 6-17 shooting from the field.
Thurbil Bile was the other Mustangs in double-figures, with 12 points of his own on a perfect 5-5 from the field.
Derrick Hall led the team in assists with 3 in the game and
Chamar Norman played pesky defense with 3 steals.
Talladega 108---USW 69
The Mustangs improved scoring in Game 2 came from the hands of Bile and White Jr. again, but a new face joined the double-figure club as true freshman
Dominic Rivas scored a career-high 15 points on 5-7 shooting from 3-pt range. Bile finished with 17 points and White Jr. finished with 13 points.
"In the second half our offense really started to get rolling and we were able to score some points. Putting up 51 points in the second half is huge. We now need to put together two halves of scoring if we want to make it a ball game. I thought Thurbil, Hunter and Nate really did a good job today being aggressive and looking to score.
Dominic Rivas came off the bench and did a great job knocking down some shots for us. 15 points in 8 minutes of action is big time. I am happy we finished the night shooting 40% from the 3 point line and 77% from the free throw line. Those are two areas we have struggled at on the offensive end. I would also like to see us clean up our turnovers. On the defensive side, we did a great job for the most part, but we gave up too many offensive rebounds and they were able to convert their second chance opportunities. Once we limit turnovers and clean up the glass, we should be able to compete in a game."
The Mustangs are back in action Saturday afternoon as they travel back to Alexandria, LA to take on #21 LSU-Alexandria in another RRAC matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM MST. Live video and live stats links can be found on Men's Basketball schedule, or will be posted on game day on Twitter & Facebook.
