No 3's, No Problem in Upset Win

BETHANY, Okla. (December 31, 2011) - Last season, Lubbock Christian University used seven three pointers in the first half to pace themselves to an upset win over a then-No.12 ranked Southern Nazarene University squad at Sawyer Center.  Saturday afternoon, LCU went the entire game without a three-pointer, but received 15 points from Rashad Sample and Jeff Ayisire made his Chaparrals debut with 14 points to lead LCU to a 65-51 upset road victory over the No.16 Crimson Storm.

Neither team showed any shooting skill beyond the arch.  The two teams combined to go 0-of-13 from three-point range in the first half (SNU was 0-for-9).  SNU finished the game 3-of-19 (15.8%) and the Chaps were unsuccessful on nine attempts.  Where LCU was successful was in the paint, which was surprising with head coach Todd Duncan using a much undersized line-up with Jaron Vierra (6-6) making his first start at center.  The Chaparrals out-scored SNU 44-28 in the paint. 

Despite not tallying a field goal in the final 5:49 of the first half, LCU held a 25-19 lead at halftime.  The Chaps balanced out the half with eight different players producing offensively.  The also used an 8-0 run off the bat for an 8-2 lead, which gave them early momentum and an initial lead they would never relinquish.  Ayisire tallied 10 points in the second half and teammates Anthony Brancato and Sample provided nine points each in the half to help LCU keep their distance.   The Chaps shot 51.5% (17/33) from the field in the second half and finished the game shooting 48.2% (27/56).

LCU out-rebounded SNU 24-15 in the second half and 41-35 in the game.  Three players finished in double figures for LCU, as Brancato finished with 12 points to join Sample and Bacone College transfer Ayisire.  SNU received 14 points from Houston transfer Horace McGloster and 10 points from Aaron Jones in the loss.  LCU out-scored SNU 26-14 in points off turnovers and 14-6 in fast-break scoring.

The Chaparrals have won two straight games and are 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference.  They also improved to 2-2 on the season against ranked opponents.  SNU falls to 9-3 overall and 2-2 in the SAC.  LCU plays their fifth straight game away from home Monday at 3 p.m., as they travel to Chickasha, Okla. to face University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma.