LSUS Pilots take thriller from Tyler, 72-71
11/23/03

Head coach Chad McDowell and his LSUS Pilots stole a victory from the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots Friday night. The Patriots were hosting their first game of the year and were supported by a crowd of 1800 fans in their spectacular new arena.

At half time it was the Patriots who held the lead by a score of 32-28. Rico Payne started the second half with two steals on the Patriots first two possession resulting in four points and a tie ball game a minute into the half. The Pilots proceeded to pull away from the Patriots, but Curtis Clark knocked down four three-pointers to keep the game within reach.

The Pilots led by six with 1:30 remaining in the game, but that lead was cut to three with only 6.7 seconds to play. Freddy Hughes was sent to the free throw line for two shots and a chance to seal the victory for the Pilots. The first shot rattled around the rim and was no good. If Hughes missed the second shot it would give UT-Tyler a chance to tie the game with a three pointer. After a time out call by LSUS, the 5'9" freshman guard from Shreveport, LA sunk his second free throw and put the Pilots up by four points. The Patriots moved the ball down the floor quickly and made a three pointer at the buzzer that brought them within one, but no time remained.

The LSUS Pilots won the game by a score of 72-71 and improve their record to 3-2 on the year. The Pilots tough rod trip continues Monday night when they will square off against ETBU, and then a tough NCAA Division I opponent in the Northwestern Demons Tuesday night in Natchitoches.

Issued by Allan Cantwell (sports@lsus.edu)