Pilots’ Season Ends in Round of 16 Thriller Against Ave Maria

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – LSU Shreveport men's basketball saw its 2025-26 season come to a close in a hard-fought battle Friday afternoon, falling to Ave Maria University, 102-98, in the Round of 16 of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Tournament.

The Pilots finish the year with an impressive 28-6 record after a game that featured relentless energy, physical play in the paint, and a late push that nearly erased a double-digit deficit.

LSU Shreveport was powered by a pair of standout double-doubles from Khi Wallace and Hayden Brittingham. Wallace led the Pilots with 26 points and 11 rebounds, consistently attacking the glass and scoring through contact, while Brittingham added 23 points and 11 rebounds of his own. Alexzaye Johnson delivered a strong all-around performance with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Thaddeus Johnson chipped in 13 points.

Ave Maria countered with a balanced offensive effort led by Michael Klekas, who posted 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jack Watkins recorded 21 points and 11 boards with four assists and four blocks, while Jaylen White added 17 points. Alex Sherwood (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Jonathan Effertz (13 points) also made key contributions.

The Gyrenes set the tone early, using second-chance opportunities to build a first-half advantage. Ave Maria dominated the glass throughout the opening period and carried a 46-38 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Pilots faced their largest deficit of the game at 61-46 with 17:04 remaining, but responded with resilience. LSU Shreveport chipped away behind strong inside play and timely shot-making, eventually tying the game at 83-83 following a Devonte Austin three-pointer with 6:58 left.

From there, the contest turned into a back-and-forth battle. Wallace tied the game again at 85-85 with just under six minutes to play, and Alexzaye Johnson later evened things at 87-87. However, Ave Maria answered each surge, capitalizing on key possessions and free throws down the stretch.

Despite late baskets from Wallace and Brittingham to keep the Pilots within striking distance, the Gyrenes sealed the game at the free throw line in the final seconds.

LSU Shreveport shot an efficient 50.6 percent from the field and dominated points in the paint (64-44), but were ultimately hindered by a 50 percent performance at the free throw line (9-of-18) and a rebounding deficit (48-36). Ave Maria also converted 22-of-30 free throws and turned 48 rebounds into 26 second-chance points, proving to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

Friday's loss marks the end of a memorable season for the Pilots, highlighted by a deep postseason run and consistent excellence throughout the year.

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