Pilots Rise to No. 15 in NAIA Coaches Poll
SHREVEPORT, La. – The LSU Shreveport men's basketball team continued its climb in the national rankings, moving up to No. 15 in the latest NAIA Men's Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll during the 2025–26 season.
LSUS holds a 13-3 overall record and remains perfect in Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) play at 10-0, establishing itself as one of the nation's most consistent teams through the first half of conference action.
The Pilots are coming off another poised road performance on Jan. 10, escaping with an 84-81 victory over North American University in a tightly contested battle that featured five ties and four lead changes. The win kept LSUS unbeaten in RRAC play and further strengthened its national résumé.
LSUS's steady rise in the national polls has been a product of sustained success. The Pilots opened the season receiving votes, entered the rankings at No. 25 in the Dec. 17 poll, and now have surged ten spots to No. 15 in the most recent release.
The Pilots' success has been powered by a balanced roster that continues to rank among the conference and national leaders.
Hayden Brittingham remains one of the NAIA's premier interior players. He is No. 11 nationally in rebounds (9.9 per game) and ranks No. 3 in the RRAC in scoring (17.6 ppg), No. 2 in rebounds, No. 4 in field goal percentage (58.3), and No. 4 in blocks (1.7 per game). Khi Wallace has also made an immediate impact, ranking No. 24 in the NAIA in rebounds (8.8 per game). He sits No. 4 in the RRAC in scoring (16.4 ppg), No. 3 in rebounds, and No. 1 in the conference in field goal percentage (62.6).
Emareyon McDonald ranks No. 10 in the RRAC in scoring (15.4 ppg), No. 15 in field goal percentage (46.3), and No. 8 in three-point percentage (46.3), while Thaddeus Johnson sits No. 17 in the RRAC in scoring (12.3 ppg) and No. 5 in three-point percentage (47.6). Newcomer James Johnson has provided additional depth, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while Alexzaye Johnson continues to direct the offense efficiently, ranking No. 3 in the RRAC in assists (4.9 per game).
The No. 15 ranking marks LSU Shreveport's highest national position of the season as the Pilots continue to build momentum in conference play.
LSUS returns to action on Thursday, Jan. 15, when the Pilots welcome Our Lady of the Lake University to The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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