Pilots Claim RRAC Tournament Title with 87-70 Win Over LSU Alexandria; Brittingham Named MVP

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- The No. 1-seeded LSU Shreveport Athletics men's basketball team completed a dominant conference run Sunday afternoon, defeating LSU Alexandria, 87-70, to capture the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Men's Basketball Tournament Championship.

With the victory, the Pilots improve to 26-2 on the season and add the tournament crown to their RRAC regular-season championship, securing the conference's automatic berth into the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament. The national selection show is scheduled for March 5 at 6 p.m.

LSU Shreveport was powered by a trio of 22-point performances. James Johnson led the charge with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, asserting himself inside on both ends of the floor. Emareyon McDonald added 22 points and eight rebounds, including key perimeter shots that stretched the defense, while Khi Wallace poured in 22 points and five rebounds, highlighted by a series of electrifying second-half dunks that swung momentum firmly in the Pilots' favor.

Hayden Brittingham contributed 10 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring the interior defense and making timely plays throughout the championship run. Alexzaye Johnson orchestrated the offense with six assists as LSU Shreveport finished with 15 assists on 27 made field goals.

The championship tilt featured seven ties and three lead changes early, with LSU Alexandria jumping out to a quick 2-0 advantage. The Pilots settled in midway through the first half, using defensive stops and transition opportunities to build separation. A late 10-3 surge, capped by a McDonald three-pointer in the closing seconds, sent LSU Shreveport into the locker room with a 39-32 lead.

The second half belonged to the Pilots. Wallace ignited a decisive run with three dunks in a two-minute stretch, pushing the lead into double figures. McDonald answered every LSU Alexandria push with timely baskets, including multiple three-pointers that kept the Generals at bay. LSU Shreveport extended its advantage to as many as 18 points and controlled the paint throughout the afternoon, outscoring LSU Alexandria 34-16 inside.

For the game, the Pilots shot an efficient 49.1 percent from the field compared to 31.7 percent for the Generals. LSU Shreveport also held a slight 41-39 edge on the glass and generated 27 bench points in a balanced team effort.

LSU Alexandria was led by EJ McQuillan with 22 points and two rebounds. TJ James recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Kaleb Pouncy pulled down six boards.

In addition to the team championship, Hayden Brittingham was named the RRAC Tournament Most Valuable Player. Brittingham, along with Emareyon McDonald and Khi Wallace, earned spots on the RRAC All-Tournament Team following their standout performances throughout the week.

With both the regular-season and tournament titles secured, LSU Shreveport now turns its attention to the national stage, where the Pilots will await their postseason destination during Wednesday evening's selection show.