Pilots hand Rams first GCAC loss
January 14, 2007
Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots (12, 2, 3-1) handed the University of Mobile Rams (10-7, 4-1) their first loss of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference season Saturday night at The Dock. The Pilots led 36-32 at the half and held off a late Rams charge en route to a 76-71 victory.
The Rams jumped out to a 7-2 lead after Derrell Moreaux connected on a three point field goal at the 18:26 mark, and held an early 11-6 lead after a Walter Fitzgerald lay-up put.
Pilots guard Kyile Byrd however had the answer as he poured in seven points over the next 3:00 minutes including a three point field goal at the 11:42 mark which gave the Pilots a 15-13 lead.
Marcus Yeager responded with a three pointer for the Rams who reclaimed a 16-15 lead, however, Blake Whittle connected on a 10 foot jump shot which put the Pilots ahead 17-16; a lead which they would never relinquish.
The Pilots led by as many as nine points in the half and were ahead 36-32 at the break.
Fitzgerald tied the score at 39-39 with a three point field goal with 18:02 remaining in the second half, but that was the last time the Rams would tie the score as the Pilots took advantage of a late 11 point lead and connected on 18-of-27 second half free throw attempts to hand the Rams their first loss in GCAC action, 76-71.
Yeager led the Rams with 20 points, 17 of which came in the first half. Fitzgerald also finished with 20 points and added six rebounds.
LSUS out rebounded the Rams 49-26 which included 18 on the offensive end. Jamon Morris and Whittle each finished with double-doubles collecting 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Freddy Hughes capitalized on 14-of-14 free throw attempts and finished with a team high 20 points, while Byrd added 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Pilots now sit in second place in the GCAC at 3-1 behind the 4-1 Rams. LSUS will play host to Belhaven College (2-2) January 18th at The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.
