PINEVILLE, La. – For the second time in three games Huston-Tillotson University's men's basketball team led from start to finish as the Rams claimed an 81-74 win Thursday at Louisiana Christian.
Khalif Allim led the Rams' attack with 26 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots Thursday.
Auston Chatman also turned in a double-double performance with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
In all, five Rams scored in double-figures at LCU, including four of the team's starters.
Jacob Brown scored 13 points and handed out a team-leading three assists, while
Kon Chol added 11 points for the Rams (5-11, 3-7 RRAC).
James Harrison came off the HT bench to score 15 points, which included a 9-of-11 showing at the free throw line. LCU (3-12, 1-8 RRAC) got 29 points from Gary Smith, and 11 points and 16 rebounds from Jude Akabueze.
The Rams scored the first eight points of the game and were ahead 16-4 barely six minutes into the contest. They led by 12 points with five minutes remaining in the game but had to fend off a late comeback effort by the Wildcats. LCU twice cut HT's lead to six points during the final five minutes but got no closer.
HT's efforts were helped by the Rams' ability to get to the free throw line. The Rams shot 42 free throws Thursday, making 34 (81 percent) of their attempts. LCU was 16-of-23 (69.6 percent) from the free throw line, with Smith making all 11 of his free throw attempts.
Allim shot 9-of-13 from the free throw line in addition to going 8-of-18 from the field en route to his team-high 26 points.
The Rams return to action Saturday when they visit LSU–Alexandria. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m., roughly 25 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game between the two schools.
– HT –
