NEWMAN (12-7, 3-2 Heartland)
at LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN (16-4, 6-0 Heartland)
Thursday, January 31 - 6:00 PM
Rip Griffin Center (Lubbock, Texas)
TV: Fox 34 News Now
Radio: 100.7 The Score
All-Time Series: LCU leads 9-2
Tweet #LCUvsNU | Tweet #HeartlandWBB | Tweet #D2Hoops

DRIVER'S SEAT
Lubbock Christian University faces an important week this week and has an opportunity to get separation in the Heartland Conference standings, as they host Newman Thursday and St. Mary's Saturday inside Rip Griffin Center. LCU enters the week ahead of the Heartland Conference standings with a 6-0 conference mark, with Newman sitting second (3-2) and St. Mary's tied for third (3-3). A win Thursday would provide LCU a three-game lead ahead of second place in the conference with seven games remaining.   

SATURDAY SUMMARY
Olivia Robertson took the spotlight off Oklahoma Christian's Addy Clift, the NCAA Division II leading-scorer, and led four Lady Chaparrals in double-figures with 21 points, as Lubbock Christian University, thriving off 50 rebounds (sisters Bobbi, 15, and Maddi, 12, Chitsey combined for 27), remained unbeaten in Heartland Conference play (6-0) and improved their Heartland Conference win streak to 24-games with an 84-70 victory Saturday afternoon inside The Eagles' Nest.

Robertson had the task of defending Clift, the reigning USBWA National Player of the Week, as LCU went with a man-defensive look. While leading all scorers with 21 points and contributing five rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals, Robertson held Clift to 16 points, her second-lowest game total this season. Clift was held without a three-pointer (held to two attempts) for a second consecutive game (she had made at least one three-pointer in 56 consecutive games prior to Thursday's game at Newman).

Clift did not connect on her first five field goal attempts and Robertson helped keep her scoreless for the game's first 12:17. She was 6-of-20 from the field and did not connect on her third field goal until 2:43 remained in the third quarter.

As a team, LCU's defense made its presence to contain more than just Clift, as OC's offense entered the game ranking seventh nationally in scoring (82.1 points per game). LCU produced 50 rebounds, which was their highest single-game total since collecting 50 on Nov. 21, 2016 against Wayland Baptist and a high-mark for a squad that entered the game ranking 281st (of 301 NCAA Division II programs) in rebounds per game (33.2). For an LCU-first, a pair of sisters each finished in double figures in rebounds and each were career-high totals. Maddi Chitsey posted 12 rebounds (five offensive) and added 11 points to complete her second career double-double. Bobbi Chitsey produced 15 rebounds, which is the highest single-game total since Tess Bruffey produced 15 on Feb. 23, 2017. LCU also manufactured a season-high 10 blocks (three each by Bobbi Chitsey and Juliana Robertson), which is the most on the road since 12 against Emporia State on Dec. 3, 2016.

The defensive numbers were impressive, and that is with OC playing a solid performance. OC led 19-16 after the end of the first quarter and shot 58.8% (10-of-17) from the field in the second quarter and led 41-37 at the half. Katie Mayo was 6-of-10 in the opening half and led OC with 12 points. She finished with a team-high 17 points and was one of four Lady Eagles in double figures. Megan Shelton and Maddison Collyer each had eight points in the first half, but were held to two each in the second half and both players finished with 10 points.

The tide turned in the second half as LCU held OC to 31.3% from the field and 2-of-10 (20%) from long range. The Lady Eagles, who produced 16 field goals in the first half, were held to 10 field goals in the second half of play. Meanwhile, LCU was 18-of-37 (48.6%) from the field in the second half. They outscored the Lady Eagles 22-15 in the third quarter. The third quarter featured seven lead changes, with Olivia Robertson's layup on an and-one play with 2:19 left in the quarter giving LCU the lead for good (the layup put LCU up 54-53). The Lady Chaps surged in the fourth quarter, outscoring OC 25-14 off 52.9% shooting (9-of-17) from the field.

LCU went 34-of-70 (46.6%) from the field, going 24-of-37 (64.9%) inside the arc. LCU's 73 field goal attempts was their highest mark since 78 attempts on Nov. 12, 2013 against Eastern New Mexico. They also had 36 three-point attempts and made 34 overall field goals (each number was their highest since 39 field goals and 37 three-point attempts on Mar. 11, 2016 against Angelo State). Allie Schulte (15 points) and Caitlyn Cunyus (12 points) joined Olivia Robertson and Maddi Chitsey in double figures in points. LCU had a 16-4 scoring advantage in second-chance-scoring off their 14 offensive rebounds (LCU had a 50-25 advantage in rebounds).

LCU was able to improve to 16-4 overall and 6-0 in conference despite their worst free-throw shooting performance of the season. The Lady Chaps, outscored 14-6 from the line by an OC squad that ranks third nationally in points from the line, shot a season-low 46.2% (6-of-13) from the line.

OC fell to 10-9 overall and 3-3 in conference, as the loss ended their season-high three-game win streak. LCU has won 16 straight meetings against OC and has claimed 23 of the last 26 meetings.
 
HOMELAND SECURITY
LCU completed their home schedule going 16-0 last season and are 9-0 at home this season. LCU's last home game, a win over Arkansas-Fort Smith on Jan. 19, extended their active home win streak to 59 games, which ranks sixth all-time in NCAA Division II women's basketball (it actively leads NCAA Div. II). If LCU extends the streak to 62, they would tie Emporia State (Feb. 27, 1997-Jan. 13, 2001) for the fifth-longest win streak in NCAA Division II history. The record is 87 consecutive home victories by Nebraska-Kearney, who completed the task from Jan. 31, 1995 - Nov. 24, 2001. LCU's last home loss came on Jan. 1, 2015 against Oklahoma City University. LCU has also won 51 consecutive home conference games, with their last conference home loss occurring Jan. 10, 2013 (against Oklahoma City). They are 45-0 all-time in Heartland Conference home games.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Lubbock Christian is holding opponents to 50.7 points per game in conference and 55.4 per game overall this season, which ranks 15^th nationally. The defensive efforts has led to LCU averaging a margin of victory of 16.7 points per game, which ranks 18^th nationally. The Lady Chaps have a 27.8 scoring margin advantage per game in conference play.

NO FOUL PLAY
The Lady Chaps rank 14th in the nation in fouls per game, with a conference-leading average of 14.4 fouls per game. Fouls have led LCU to outscoring their opponents 12.2 – 9.9 in points a game from the free-throw line. The Lady Chaps have shot over 80% from the free-throw line in eight games this season and rank 45^th nationally with a mark of 74.1% on the season (second in the Heartland Conference). Olivia Robertson leads the team (of qualified attempts), shooting 84.6% (66/78) from the line to rank second in the conference. 

FROM THE FIELD
Lubbock Christian continues to rank in the top-20 nationally in shooting, ranking 10th nationally with a 47.4% field goal shooting percentage. LCU has shot at least 41.9% in all but three games this season and have hit the .500 plateau on six occasions, including three of their last four games. They are shooting 48.0% this season in home contests, shooting at least 53% in their last two home games.

SISTER CHRISTIAN
On Nov.10, the Lady Chaps game against CSU-Pueblo marked the first time in LCU program history in which a pair of sisters tallied double figures, as LCU received double-digit point production from Olivia Robertson, Juliana Robertson, Bobbi Chitsey and Maddi Chitsey. LCU has three sisters on the squad, and Dec. 8 marked the first game this season in which all three sets of sisters played in the same game. Dec. 10 at Texas A&M International, marked the first time all six sisters contributed at least a point in the same contest. On Jan. 17 against Rogers State, all six scored at least one point, marking the first time the occurrence happened at home.

LENDING A HELPING HAND
LCU has five players with at least an average of 1.8 assists per game, with three averaging at least 2.4 assists per game. Allie Schulte leads the team with 64 assists (3.2 per game), with Caitlyn Cunyus (2.7) and Olivia Robertson (48, 2.4) also playing a role in the ball distribution averaging at least 2.4 assists per game. Bobbi Chitsey (1.9) and Maddi Chitsey (1.8) are just under 2.0 assists per game. LCU averages 15.9 assists (second in the Heartland Conference) on 25.9 field goals per game. LCU has 317 assists (leads the conference), ranking 19th nationally in the category.

HOME COURT
LCU is 9-0 inside Rip Griffin Center this season. The Lady Chaps have been led in scoring at home by Allie Schulte (12.0 points per home game), with Olivia Robertson (11.8 points per game) not far behind. Robertson also averages 6.4 rebounds at home this season. LCU has a 85-48 advantage in three-pointers this season at home, with Allie Schulte knocking down three-pointers at a rate of 52.9% (18/34) and Madelyn Turner 9-of-10 (90%) from long range at home this season.

WHAT ABOUT BOBBI
Bobbi Chitsey has been in a scoring rhythm for the Lady Chaps. Chitsey, who averaged 5.3 points per game over a six-game stretch prior to Dec. 8, is averaging 12.7 points per game in the past 10 games (beginning Dec. 8). On Jan. 26, she had a streak of seven straight games with at least 10 points end, but posted a career-high 15 rebounds in that game. Her offensive numbers have helped her bump her average scoring to 10.0 points per game, placing her as one of four Lady Chaps currently averaging double figures.

HAVING HEART
LCU, winners of 24 straight conference games, is the only unbeaten (6-0) team in Heartland Conference play this season. The Lady Chaps 6-0 start in conference has been led by Olivia Robertson, who has an average of 12.8 points per conference game. Bobbi Chitsey (11.0), Maddi Chitsey (10.7) and Allie Schulte (10.5) join Bobbi Chitsey in double figures in points. LCU has a 85-70 advantage in turnovers in conference contests, leading to a 111-78 scoring advantage in points-off-turnovers. They are also benefiting off an average advantage of 12.7 – 4.0 second-chance-points per conference game and their bench averaging 29.0 points per conference game. The Lady Chaps are shooting 50.4% from the field in conference and shooting 37.2% from three-point range, with a 55-22 advantage in three-pointers (LCU is 59.7% inside the arc in conference). Opponents are 35.4% from the field and 26.8% from three-point range. LCU's defense has a 57-23 advantage in steals in conference games, with Allie Schulte leading the team with 15 (2.5 per game).

BOARD GAMES
The Lady Chaps rank seventh in the Heartland Conference in rebounds per game (34.1, which ranks 270^th of 301 Division II programs), but they lead the Heartland Conference in rebounding margin with a mark of 5.9 (44^th nationally). Olivia Robertson leads LCU with 121 rebounds (6.1 per game). LCU has only been out-rebounded twice over the prior 17 games and they have a +58 rebounding average through six conference games (+9.7 per conference game).

DOWNTOWN
The Lady Chaps rank 20th nationally with 162 three-pointers on the season and is ninth with a shooting mark of 38.9% from long range. Allie Schulte is in the top-10 nationally, hitting three-pointers at a pace of 49.3% on the season (35/71), with 35 three-pointers ranking fifth in the conference. Bobbi Chitsey is 11-of-23 (.478) and Madelyn Turner is 7-of-14 (.500) from three-point range in conference play, with Bobbi Chitsey leading the team with 11 three-pointers in conference (1.8 per game).
 
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NEWMAN
- The Jets enter the week 12-7 overall and 3-2 in Heartland Conference play. They had a five-game win streak abruptly end with a lost last Thursday (85-81 at home against Oklahoma Christian) and have dropped their last two games after an 84-56 loss in Austin, Texas Saturday at St. Edward's.
- NU finished the 2017-18 season with a 17-12 record. They went 8-6 in conference and their season came to a close with an opening round loss to Oklahoma Christian at the Heartland Conference Tournament in Tulsa, Okla. They opened this season with a No.4 Heartland Conference Preseason Poll ranking.
- Thursday's game is Newman's final trip to Lubbock for a conference contest. While LCU is heading to the Lone Star Conference, Newman is heading to become an associate member of the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).  
- The Jets don't mind the outside shot, ranking seventh nationally in three-point field goal attempts (527). They average 9.1 makes a game from long range, ranking 13th nationally. Kaitlyn Potter leads the conference in three-point attempts (173, ranking fifth nationally), three-pointers made (64, ranking third nationally) and three-pointers per game (3.4, fourth nationally). Their attempts this season have ranged from 16-43 on the season, with makes per game ranging from 4-19.  
- Newman leads the Heartland Conference in turnovers forced, with an average of 18.3 forced per game. They average 8.8 steals per game (second in the conference). On Jan. 19, Newman forced Texas A&M International into 35 turnovers and produced 16 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY WITH NEWMAN
The two programs have met 11 times and all as Heartland Conference foes. LCU leads the all-time series 9-2. LCU has won the prior four meetings, which began with a 60-55 LCU win in Lubbock (Feb. 16, 2017). The Lady Chaps swept the season series last season and is 5-0 all-time in Lubbock against NU.
 
PREVIOUS MEETING VS. NEWMAN
Feb. 15, 2018 (Lubbock, Texas): LCU 70 - NU 56
Sisters Maddi (19 points) and Bobbi Chitsey combined for 32 points and No.2 Lubbock Christian University set a program record from the free-throw line en route to a 70-56 win over Newman on Senior Night inside Rip Griffin Center.
 
LCU set a single-game program record, going 22-of-22 from the free-throw line (100%). The mark, which is the best by a NCAA Division II program this season (best since Bemidji State went 27-of-27 on Feb. 18, 2017), is the second-best performance from the line by a Heartland Conference team. The conference record is 26-of-26, held by Oklahoma Christian (Dec. 31, 2015). The Lady Chaps record mark topped the previous mark of 18-of-18, which was completed against Hardin-Simmons on Jan. 31, 1985. Newman was near perfect from the line as well, as they went 94.1% from the line with a 16-of-17 performance. Combining the two performances, the squads were a combined 38-of-39 (97.4%) from the line.
 
The Lady Chaps wasted no time jumping out on the Jets, and they produced the offensive fireworks without a point in the opening quarter from leading scorer Tess Bruffey. LCU opened the game on a 14-0 run, with the Chitsey sisters producing much of the offensive work. The sisters combined for 12 points in the opening quarter (seven by Maddi Chitsey). Olivia Robertson, with five points in the quarter, hit a three-pointer to cap the 14-0 run. Newman was plagued by turnovers in the opening quarter, with five occurring in the first five minutes of the game. The Jets did not score their first points until Hannah Alexander hit a field goal with 4:26 left in the quarter. Alexander had the Jets first eight points of the game, including a 6-0 run by herself, which cut the LCU lead to 14-6. They led 19-11 at the close of the first quarter. 
 
Nia Roberts, the only other Jet to score a point in the first half, opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to cut LCU's lead to 19-14, but it was as close as they would get for the game's remainder. LCU's Kailin Davis answered with a three-pointer and jumpstarted an 11-0 run. LCU shot 54.5% (6/11) in the quarter and Bruffey jumped into the mix with six points to help LCU take a 38-24 halftime lead. Alexander had 16 points at the half, with Newman's other eight points in the half coming from Roberts. Each Chitsey had nine points to lead LCU at the break.
 
The second half was a balanced half. Newman cut LCU's lead down to 10 on three occasions, but never cut it into single digits. Meanwhile, LCU never led by more than 18 points in the third quarter and 14 points in the fourth quarter. 
 
LCU outscored Newman 21-12 in points off turnovers. Maddi Chitsey led LCU with 19 points, with 10 coming in the second half. Bobbi provided 13 points and was joined in double figures by Olivia Robertson (11 points) and Delaney Gaddis (11 points, matching season high). Alexander led all scorers with 25 points, which was the second most against the Lady Chaps this season by an opposing player. She was 11-of-20 from the field. Bria DeGrate added 11 points for the Jets. LCU was 39.6% (21/53) from the field, which was a season low at home and their worst shooting mark at home since shooting 37.7% against Newman on Feb. 16, 2017.
 
The game marked the final regular season home games for LCU seniors Bruffey, Gaddis and Caitlyn Buttram.