Pilots Open Season With Win

November 08, 2003

As the LSUS men's basketball team huddled around head coach Chad McDowell before taking the floor for their first contest of the year, they roared "1-2-3-TOGETHER!" The Pilots went on to win the tip off resulting in a lay-up and their first basket by Rico Payne, and they never looked back.

Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas was the neutral site for the season opener versus Bethel College who entered the contest sporting a 1-1 record. After an outstanding first half on both ends of the court, the Pilots enjoyed a 47-24 lead in the locker room at halftime. All five starters for the Pilots scored in the first half to go along with creating 17 turnovers by Bethel College.

The second half proved to be much of the same as the Pilots continued their up-tempo style of play. Rico Payne and Derrick Rogers led the offensive charge by pouring in 21 points a piece. Derrick Sowell played a strong game pitching in with 19 points, along with Travis Cash and his 16 points and eight rebounds.

Bethel Community College's Third Team NAIA All-American from last season Derek Woods had the team high 15 points for Bethel College. The Pilots well rounded scoring attack and strong team defensive effort however took the Pilots to their first win of the year with a final score of 86-69. LSUS takes the floor tomorrow afternoon versus the home town Central Baptist College at 3:00 pm.

All LSUS News Releases are Online at: http://www.lsus.edu/athletics/ To receive LSUS Sports Releases by e-mail, contact Allan Cantwell at: sports@pilot.lsus.edu

LSUS Athletics Contact: Allan Cantwell Sports Information 318-797-5194 (office) 318-572-6237 (cellular)