ALEXANDRIA, La. – For the second consecutive game, Huston-Tillotson University's men's basketball team was tasked with trying to slow down a Top 25 team, but this time the Rams fell short as LSU–Alexandria claimed a 99-68 win Thursday.
LSU–Alexandria, ranked No. 5 in the latest NAIA Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' poll, saw 14 of its players score points as the Generals (10-1) improved to 7-1 in Red River Athletic Conference play.
Charles Hallmon scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Rams (2-8, 2-6 RRAC), who defeated previously-unbeaten and No. 20-ranked Our Lady of the Lake at home Saturday.
Jackson Byas scored 10 points and
Malkeyce Harris chipped in nine points off the HT bench.
E.J. McQuillan scored 18 points to lead four LSU–Alexandria players scoring in double-figures.
The Generals seized control of the game by outscoring their guests 31-7 over the middle nine minutes of the first half. That run started with 12 unanswered points that turned their two-point lead with 16:17 remaining in the half to a 20-6 advantage at the 14:25 mark of the first half.
The Rams shot twice as many free throws as their hosts, shooting 64 percent (16 of 25) from the line. The Generals shot 57 percent (39 of 68) from the field and 45 percent (13 of 29) from 3-point range.
LSU–Alexandria forced 27 HT turnovers while committing 16 in the game. That margin produced a 38-20 advantage in points off turnovers.
The Rams continue their road trip through Louisiana on Saturday, Dec. 14, when they visit LSU–Shreveport. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., and will start approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game between the two schools.
– HT –