LUBBOCK, Texas (January 18, 2018) – Offensive outburst would be an understatement when talking about Lubbock Christian University's performance Thursday night against St. Edward's University. The Chaps were three points shy of the century mark as they downed the Hilltoppers 97-83 inside Rip Griffin Center. Five LCU players registered double-figures in the scoring column but were led by junior Isaac Asrat who went off for a game-high 23 points.
 
Both teams kick started their offense early with seven lead changes in the opening six minutes of the contest. Dorian Lopez knocked down a triple for the Hilltoppers at the 13:26 mark to give SEU a 19-16 advantage. However, Marcos Schuster put the Chaps back on top a minute and half later with a pair of free throws. LCU traded baskets with St. Edward's over the next four minutes until Brennen Fowler drained a mid-range jumper to put the Chaparrals up by five for their largest lead of the half. The Hilltoppers came back with a 19-4 scoring run giving SEU a 10-point lead with 2:17 to play in the opening period. Once again, Schuster provided the spark for LCU scoring five of the Chaps next seven points to close out the half and cut the St. Edward's lead to 44-41 at the break.
 
There were 13 lead changes and 10 tied scored in the first half alone. Though St. Edward's went into the intermission with the lead and a 48.6% performance from the field, LCU proved their efficiency shooting 15-of-28 (53.6%) from the floor. Schuster was on a rampage for the Chaps scoring 17 points in the period, going 6-for-7 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc. SEU managed to convert 14 points off of Lubbock Christian's 10 first half turnovers. Kobe Thompson was the only non-starter to jump in the first half scoring column after netting four free throws and a two-point bucket.
 
Although St. Edward's got on the board first with a layup to kick off the second period, Asrat quickly responded for LCU by drilling a three-pointer that leveled the score at 46-46. Two minutes later, Kentton Williams tied the ballgame for the 13^th and final time on a follow up tip-in that brought the score to 50-50. Lucas Doria immediately came back with put back of his own for the Hilltoppers to regain the lead. With 12:11 left to play, Ja'Qualyn Gilbreath provided a three-point dagger, putting the Chaps up 57-56 in what would prove to be the final lead change of the evening. After that, Lubbock Christian was able to step on the gas and nail six of their final seven field goals to finish the night with a 97-83 win.
 
The Chaparrals followed up their stellar first-half shooting performance with an even more impressive 56.4% average in the second-half. After scoring just four points in the opening period, Asrat found his rhythm and scored 19 points in the final 20 minutes on 8-of-12 shooting and a trio of three-pointers. Brennen Fowler pulled down 10 points and 12 rebounds in the second half alone. All told, Lubbock Christian closed out the contest with a 55.2% (37-of-67) field goal average and 52.6% (10-of-19) performance from downtown. The Hilltoppers were overpowered on the glass allowing the Chaps to a 39-31 rebounding advantage.
 
Asrat's scoring barrage marks his eighth performance with 20 points or more this season. Jay Workman (19 points), Marcos Schuster (17 points), Fowler (14 points) and Gilbreath (10 points) rounded out the Chap players in double-scoring figures. Fowler also notched 16 rebounds giving him his third straight double-double and his seventh of the season.
 
Lubbock Christian moves to 3-3 in Heartland Conference standings and 7-10 overall. The win over the Hilltoppers also moves the Chaps to a 15-7 edge in the overall series against St. Edward's.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Lubbock Christian's 97-point explosion is their largest scoring performance of the season. It is also their highest scoring contest since a 99-70 win over Rogers State inside Rip Griffin Center (2/13/16).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
LCU will remain at home and take on Heartland Conference rivals Oklahoma Christian Saturday, Jan. 20. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. immediately following the conclusion of the Lady Chaparral's contest inside Rip Griffin Center.