Kansas City Clash: Pilots Ready for Round of 16 Battle with Gyrenes

SHREVEPORT, La. -- March basketball in Kansas City brings pressure, opportunity, and a chance to etch another chapter into program history -- and LSU Shreveport is right at home in the moment.

The Pilots return to the national spotlight for the 22nd consecutive season, set to square off with Ave Maria University in the Round of 16 on Friday, March 20 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Fans can follow the action live via Live Stats:  https://prestolivestats.com/ixnvzsvkjb4veits/h8qqayc2vne1nqzq and Live Stream: https://urbanedgenetwork.net/watch/12517

Under Head Coach Kyle Blankenship, LSUS has built a reputation for consistency and postseason presence. From an Elite Eight run in 2012 to Fab Four appearance in 2013 and 2018, the Pilots are no strangers to deep tournament pushes -- and they'll look to add another this week. 

The Pilots (28-5) enter the matchup after sweeping the Red River Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles, carrying one of the most balanced and explosive profiles in the field. LSUS averages 90.6 points per game while contributing 41.7 rebounds, 17.2 assists, 7.2 steals, and 5.8 blocks per contest.

Senior Hayden Brittingham leads the charge with 17.3 points and 97 rebounds per game, while Khi Wallace adds 15.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, giving LSUS a powerful inside-out presence. Alexzaye Johnson continues to be the engine of the offense, averaging 5.2 assists per game a nd pushing the Pilots' fast-paced attack.

Ave Maria (28-4) arrives battle-tested and equally dangerous. After sharing the Sun Conference regular-season title and capturing the postseason championship, the Gyrenes have surged through the national tournament with wins over Texas A&M-Texarkana (84-62) and Friends (108-102).

Averaging 92.2 points per game, Ave Maria Features a dynamic offensive unit led by Michael Klekas (17.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Jonathan Effertz (15.3 ppg), wihle Alex Sherwood controls the paint with 9.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Jaylen White facilitates the offense with 3.6 assists per contest.

With two elite offenses and near-identical production, Friday's matchup promises to be a high-level battle where tempo, toughness, and timely stops will determine who moves on. For LSUS, the formula remains simple -- play fast, stay disciplined, and embrace the moment.

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