Pilots Advance in NAIA Tournament with 94-88 Win Over Tougaloo

SHREVEPORT, La. – LSU Shreveport used a balanced offensive effort and timely plays down the stretch to defeat Tougaloo College, 94-88, in the First Round of the NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday night at The Dock.

With the win, LSUS improves to 27-5 overall and advances to the Second Round where the Pilots will face No. 10 seed Texas Wesleyan University on Saturday, March 14 at 5 p.m. at The Dock. 

The Pilots were led by Alexzaye Johnson, who finished with 23 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Khi Wallace added 16 points and eight rebounds, while Emareyon McDonald contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Hayden Brittingham finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists, and Nico Jones provided a spark off the bench with 13 points. James Johnson anchored the defense with six rebounds and four blocks in the victory.

Tougaloo was powered by an outstanding performance from Antonio Patterson, who recorded a 40-point, 11-rebound double-double. Tyler Hudson and Willie Anderson each added 16 points, with Hudson also tallying seven rebounds and eight assists.

LSU Shreveport set the tone early, knocking down three-pointers from McDonald and Johnson to build momentum in the opening minutes. The Pilots shot 53.2 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from beyond the arc, helping them build a 48-37 lead at halftime after leading by as many as 16 points in the first half.

Tougaloo mounted a strong comeback in the second half behind Patterson's scoring surge. The Bulldogs took their first lead of the half when Patterson converted a three-point play to give Tougaloo a 59-54 advantage with 13:24 remaining.

LSUS responded with timely scoring from Jones, Wallace, and Johnson to regain control. A key three-pointer from McDonald with 7:23 left put the Pilots back in front, and LSU Shreveport maintained the lead the rest of the way.

The Bulldogs continued to apply pressure late, cutting the deficit to just two possessions in the final minute. However, the Pilots sealed the victory with clutch free throws and a late layup from Thaddeus Johnson in the closing seconds.

Despite being outrebounded 40-30, LSU Shreveport's offensive efficiency proved decisive as the Pilots knocked down nine three-pointers and committed just 10 turnovers.