Pilots Win Big in the Big Easy
February 10, 2009
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The LSUS men’s basketball won for the first time in four tries this season in the Big Easy, defeating Dillard University 84-66 on Monday night.
The Pilots got off to a blistering start, thanks to the hot shooting of senior guard Tyrone Hamilton. In his first game back in the starting lineup since coming off the bench the last five games, Hamilton connected on three three-point baskets in the first two minutes to help LSUS take an early 10-2 lead over the Blue Devils.
The Pilots, who never trailed in the contest, used a solid defensive effort in the first half to take control of the game. LSUS forced Dillard into 10 first-half turnovers, which they converted into 12 points. LSUS also held the home team to just 28% shooting from the field in the first 20 minutes, as the Pilots went into the halftime break with a 43-25 lead.
In the second half, LSUS maintained a double-digit lead throughout the first 12 minutes before the Blue Devils eventually trimmed their lead down to 9. However, Dillard would never get any closer as Chris Gatlin slammed the door shut with a huge three-point shot, his fifth three of the contest.
Gatlin led LSUS with 23 points. Mike Pilgrim added 19 points from off the bench and Hamilton finished with 18 for the Pilots.
David Manning paced Dillard with 23 points in the loss.
LSUS (15-9, 8-4) is currently in a tie for second place in the GCAC with Loyola and Xavier. The Pilots will host Loyola on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.
