SAN ANTONIO, Texas (January 4, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University used a strong defensive performance and hot-shooting second half to secure a 66-58 victory over St. Mary's University at Bill Greehey Arena on Sunday. 

The Chaparrals held a narrow 26-24 lead at halftime and extended it with a 40-point second half. The team capitalized on efficient ball movement, recording 17 assists while committing only seven turnovers. The Rattlers struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only 22 of their 72 field goal attempts.

Lubbock Christian improved to 14-2 overall and 5-1 in Lone Star play with the victory. StMU now stands at 10-3 overall and 3-2 in Lone Star competition.

Senior and San Antonio native Kendall Dow hit a 3-pointer just 19 seconds into play to get the Chaps on the board, but the early bucket did not set the tone for the half. LCU struggled to shoot the ball in the opening 20 minutes, hitting just 37.9 percent of their attempts. 

But LCU's defense clamped down too. The Rattlers led by as many as five halfway through the half, but a three-pointer from Leo Nordberg and a bucket by Reagan Fiedler at the 6:41 mark put the Chaps back ahead. The teams traded baskets and were tied again with just under four minutes to play. Another three-pointer from Nordberg gave LCU their halftime lead.

The Chaps gained momentum early in the second half, opening with a 3-pointer by Lucas Mercandino. The visitors maintained offensive pressure, shooting  58.3 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes. Dow contributed significantly from beyond the arc, scoring 21 points in the second half. 

Dow's three-pointer at the 4:24 mark gave LCU its largest lead of the game at 12 points, but the home team refused to go away. The Rattlers responded with a 9-1 run and were down just four points with 25 seconds to go. LCU's four made free throws in the final minute and defensive stops gave them the eight-point win. 

Kendall Dow led the team with 24 points, converting six 3-pointers and shooting 8-for-14 from the field. Miller contributed with 10 points and dished out seven assists while collecting five rebounds. Antonio Pusateri added a strong presence on the boards, securing 13 rebounds and scoring 12 points, while also recording two blocks. Nordberg chipped in with 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed two rebounds.

GAME NOTES:
- Nordberg scored a career-high 11 points in the game, reaching double-figures for the first time in his Chaparral career.
- The Chaps scored just 26 points in the first half, which was their fewest in a first half in a game this season.
- The Chaparrals held StMU to just 30.6 percent shooting, which is their lowest single-game mark since Feb. 5, 2022, when they shot 28.6 percent against Texas A&M International.
- The Lady Chaps have now won three-straight games against ranked opponents, and are now 4-1 against nationally ranked teams this year.
- Pusateri's double-double is his 10th of the season, which leads all of NCAA Division II.

NEXT UP:
Lubbock Christian has one final game on its extended road stretch, as they head to Wichita Falls to take on Midwestern State at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.