Southwest New Mexico's valiant effort came up just short in a thrilling game against Louisiana Christian, with a final score of 85-78 on December 21, 2024, at H.O. West Fieldhouse. Despite an impressive second-half surge, Southwest was unable to overcome Louisiana Christian's sharp shooting and relentless offensive pressure.

Key Highlights

• Top Performers: Joshua Sasser and Rahkiem Petterson led the charge for Southwest, scoring 13 and 14 points, respectively. Anthony Scott also made an impact with 14 points and 5 assists.
• Efficient Offense: Southwest shot 44.6% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc, showcasing a balanced offensive approach.
• Rebounding Edge: The team secured 34 rebounds, narrowly out-rebounding Louisiana Christian's 30, with Jalen McAfee Manon pulling down 7 boards.

Game Summary

• First Half: Southwest started slow, trailing 39-33 at halftime. Despite shooting 34.6%, they remained within striking distance due to their aggressive defense and rebounding.
• Second Half: The team improved significantly, shooting 53.3% from the field. Sasser and Petterson ignited the offense, but Louisiana Christian's Devin Carter's 30-point performance proved too much to handle.

Team Performance

Southwest displayed resilience, cutting the deficit multiple times in the second half. Their bench contributed 38 points, showcasing the team's depth. However, turnovers and Louisiana Christian's hot shooting from three-point range (40%) ultimately decided the game.

Looking Ahead

Southwest will aim to build on the positives from this matchup, including their second-half efficiency and strong bench performance. They remain a team to watch as they continue their season with determination and grit.