Pilots Overpower UNT Dallas in 103–71 Wire-to-Wire Win

SHREVEPORT, La. — The LSU Shreveport men's basketball team turned in one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon at The Dock, defeating UNT Dallas, 103–71, to remain unbeaten in Red River Athletic Conference play.

The Pilots improved to 11–3 overall and 8–0 in RRAC action, while the Trailblazers fell to 3–9 on the season and 2–6 in conference play.

After a back-and-forth opening stretch that featured four ties and five lead changes, LSUS took control behind efficient shooting and relentless defense. Thaddeus Johnson knocked down an early three to spark the offense, and the Pilots began to separate as they protected the rim and converted stops into points.

LSUS shot an impressive 60.3 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from beyond the arc, finishing 10-of-18 from three-point range. The Pilots' offensive efficiency was complemented by ball movement, as they recorded 25 assists on 41 made field goals.

Defensively, LSUS forced 20 UNT Dallas turnovers and turned those into 23 points, while also holding a 34–26 rebounding edge. The Pilots controlled the paint with 20 points inside and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Trailblazers 15–10 in that category.

The Pilots closed the first half with authority, using a late surge to build a 53–34 advantage at the break. James Johnson capped the half with a three-pointer before Thaddeus Johnson threw down a dunk in the final seconds, sending LSUS into halftime with momentum firmly on its side.

LSUS never looked back in the second half, stretching the lead to as many as 37 points. The Pilots' depth proved to be a difference-maker, as the bench accounted for 45 points, overwhelming UNT Dallas as the game wore on.

James Johnson led all scorers with 18 points and added three rebounds. Emareyon McDonald followed with 14 points and five rebounds, while Khi Wallace posted his ninth consecutive double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with two blocks. Thaddeus Johnson finished with 12 points and four assists, and Devonte Austin contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Alexzaye Johnson recorded 10 points and seven assists, while Matthew Trahan and Hayden Brittingham each scored 10 points. Trahan added three blocks, Brittingham finished with four rebounds and two blocks, and Nico Jones made his presence felt with five assists and four steals.

UNT Dallas was led by Greg Crawford with 16 points and eight rebounds. Demaryon Thornton also scored 16 points while adding two rebounds and two steals, and DaRyan Williams chipped in 14 points and four rebounds.

The Pilots will return to action on January 3, 2026, when they travel to Texarkana, Texas, to face Texas A&M–Texarkana. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

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