WICHITA FALLS, Texas - The Lubbock Christian University men's basketball team suffered their first conference loss of the season, falling 83-69 to Midwestern State Saturday afternoon. 

The Chaps struggled shooting the ball in the loss going 26-of-60 (43.3 percent) from the field and 8-of-27 (29.6) from behind the arc. This is the worst three-point shooting game the Chaps have had this season. 

Tiras Morton lead LCU with 23 points and 11 rebounds, securing his 6th double-double of the season. In addition to Morton's solid performance, Ethan Duncan had 17 points and Aaron Gonzales chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds.

Midwestern State had three players score in double figures led by Bakari LaStrap who dropped 19 on 3-of-6 shooting from downtown. Mason Gibson added 17 points and five rebounds and Will Shepherd had 16 points and 6 rebounds of his own. 

How It Happened

Both teams struggled from the field in the opening minutes of play, as the score was tied 9-9 with 12:26 to go in the half. The Chaps took control of the game going on a 16-5 run to take a 25-14 lead with 6:56 remaining. MSU clawed back closing the half on a 16-9 run as the Chaps took a 34-30 lead into the locker room. LCU took advantage of seven offensive rebounds to score 10 second chance points in the period. 

Both teams traded buckets to start the second half of action as the Mustangs tied the game 41-41 with 15:20 to go. MSU proceeded to rattle off a 14-3 run to take control of the contest leading 55-44 with 10:48 remaining in the game. The Chaps answered with a 8-0 run, culminated by a layup from Aaron Gonzales. As they had all game, MSU answered the bell with a 20-8 run to take a 15-point lead with 3:15 to go. LCU went on to hit three consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to six but were unable to complete the comeback falling 83-69. 

Game Notes

• Led by Morton's four offensive rebounds, LCU did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in 15 second chance points.
• The Chaps did a great job disrupting Midwestern State shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Morton's four rejections led the way individually for the Chaparrals.
• MSU shot 20-of-31 from the field in the second half of action. 
• The Mustang bench outscored LCU's 18-3. 
• The MSU defense forced 11 Chap turnovers leading to 17 points. The 11 miscues is the second most LCU has committed this season (13, vs Southeastern Oklahoma). 

Up Next
The Chaps return home to take on UT Permian Basin on Thursday (Jan. 11). Tip is scheduled for 7:30 inside the Rip Griffin Center. 

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