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HOBBS, N.M. — The University of the Southwest men's basketball team delivered one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, but a red‑hot second half from Louisiana Christian ultimately pushed the Wildcats past the Mustangs in an 87–74 final Thursday night at the Maddox Student Life Center.
Southwest opened the game with strong tempo and confident shot‑making, matching Louisiana Christian basket for basket in a fast‑paced first half that ended in a 34–34 deadlock. The Mustangs shot 47.7 percent from the floor for the game, including a 53.1 percent clip in the second half, and leaned on balanced scoring across the starting lineup.
EJay Scroggins paced USW offensively with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while shooting an efficient 8‑for‑14 from the field. Kevin Boone, Jayvian Lawson, and Steven Masini each added 14 points, giving the Mustangs four double‑figure scorers. Boone also pulled down seven rebounds, and Lawson dished out a team‑high six assists to fuel the Mustang offense.
Despite that strong execution, Louisiana Christian caught fire after halftime, shooting 55.9 percent in the second half and connecting on seven three‑pointers. The Wildcats were led by Justice Kelly's dominant 34‑point performance and Drew Tebbe's 22 points, combining for timely scores that pushed LCU ahead during a decisive late‑game stretch. The Wildcats finished with a narrow 33–30 rebounding edge and outscored Southwest 52–50 in the paint in a matchup largely defined by efficient interior offense from both sides.
Southwest continued to battle throughout the second half, with Scroggins and Boone stringing together key baskets that kept the Mustangs within striking distance. However, a series of late LCU runs, highlighted by perimeter shooting, ultimately created a separation that the Mustangs were unable to erase. The Wildcats closed the night shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 73.3 percent from the line, capitalizing on their second‑half momentum.
The Mustangs now look to regroup as they play its final game against LSU Alexandria on Saturday.
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