LUBBOCK, Texas (November 9, 2018) - Lubbock Christian University's Maddi Chitsey (21) and Allie Schulte (18) combined for 39 points and No.3/10 LCU was able to overcome a 15-point first half deficit to claim a 73-53 season opening victory Friday inside Rip Griffin Center.

LCU trailed 23-8 with 54 seconds left in the opening quarter, as MSU Denver shot 58% (10/17) from the field in the opening quarter and knocked down three-of-four three-point attempts. Trailing 25-12 1:39 into the second quarter, Schulte, who was 4-of-5 in the game from long distance, hit a three-pointer to ignite a 20-0 LCU run. Schulte scored 10 of the points during the run, which witnessed LCU go 6-of-10 from the field.
 
Following a tough first quarter, in which LCU was 26.7% from the field (4-of-15), they cruised to shoot 57.5% (23/40) the rest of the way.  They outscored MSU Denver 24-8 in the second quarter to take a 34-31 halftime lead.
 
LCU was 15-of-25 (60%) from the field in the second half. They received 18 points in the second half from Maddi Chitsey, who was 6-of-6 from the field in the half. She was 3-of-3 from long range for a career high three-point field goals mark (three). Chitsey had 11 points in the fourth quarter, as LCU was 10-fo-14 (71.4%) from the field in the quarter to outscore the Roadrunners 24-11.
 
Schulte and Chitsey were two of three Lady Chaps in double figures, as Olivia Robertson registered 12 points. Robertson was a +22 on the floor and a point shy of Schulte, who was +23. LCU finished the game 49.1% (27/55) from the field, with a 10-of-24 (41.7%) mark from three-point range. They had a 20-8 scoring advantage in points off turnovers after a 19-9 advantage in the turnover category. MSU Denver lost despite 16 points from Emily Hartegan.
 
LCU opens the season 1-0 and will continue their play in the TAJ Hospitality Classic at 7 p.m. Saturday night hosting Colorado State University – Pueblo. CSU-Pueblo opened their season Friday in Rip Griffin Center defeating Texas A&M – Commerce in overtime.
 
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
A 20-0 second quarter run, fueled by an 11-point outburst by sophomore guard Allie Schulte, who finished with a career high 18 points.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
LCU improved to 26-14 all-time and 10-6 under head coach Steve Gomez in season openers. The contest was LCU's first home opener since Nov. 7, 2013, which resulted in a 98-46 win over Texas College.