LUBBOCK, Texas (January 3, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University's hot first half shooting and strong three-point defense helped them secure a decisive 77-57 victory over Midwestern State University at the Rip Griffin Center on Tuesday night. 

The Chaparrals built a commanding 22-point lead by halftime, capitalized by shooting 29-for-62 from the field and recording 17 assists. Despite a second-half push from MSU, which scored 34 points, the Chaps maintained control, forcing 10 turnovers and scoring 14 points off those opportunities.

LCU improves to 19-3 overall and 10-2 in Lone Star Conference play. MSU drops to 7-12 overall and 5-7 in league action. Lubbock Christian now moves into a tie for first in the league standings with Eastern New Mexico and Dallas Baptist, who are also 10-2. 

The Chaparrals opened the first half with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Antonio Pusateri's layup and jumper in the initial minutes to establish an early lead. Midway through the half, Kendall Dow extended the advantage with back-to-back three-pointers, helping the Chaps pull away from the Mustangs.

Three-point shooting was key for the Chaps in the first half, as they hit their first four attempts from deep and shot 53.3 percent from behind the arc in the first 20 minutes. Dow's back-to-back threes were part of a 14-0 run, giving LCU a double-digit lead they would not relinquish. 

A three-pointer from Amondo Miller Jr. at the 4:23 mark got the lead past 20, and Lucas Mercandino followed it up with an and-one dunk. Mercandino also hit a three-pointer in the final minute of the half, and LCU led by 22 at the break. 

Lubbock Christian maintained their lead through a strong second half, highlighted by Pusateri's consistent scoring in the paint. At 12:49, he slammed home a dunk assisted by Leo Nordberg, and he finished the half with 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting.

Despite Midwestern State's much improved shooting in the second half, they were unable to make consistent defensive stops to close the gap, which widened to its largest point of 28 when Mercandino hit a pair of free throws at the 6:35 mark. They coasted through the final five minutes for a 20-point win. 

Pusateri led the team with 23 points and collected 15 rebounds. Amondo Miller Jr. contributed 15 points and grabbed 12 boards. Lucas Mercandino added 14 points, converting all six free throw attempts.

GAME NOTES: 
- Pusateri's double-double is his 14th of the season, which leads the LSC and ranks third in all of Division II. He is on pace for 327 rebounds this season, which would be the fourth-most in a single-season in Chap history.
- The Lady Chaps held an opponent under 60 points for a second straight game and for the eighth time this season. They are 8-0 in those contests.
- Sophomore guard Fiedler's 11 points on 4-5 shooting set a new career high, surpassing his previous high of eight on 1/17 against ENMU. He was a perfect 3-3 from behind the arc.
- LCU held the Mustangs to 16.7 percent shooting on three-pointers, which is tied for the second-lowest mark by a Chap opponent this season.
- Miller Jr.'s double-double is his seventh of the season, and he reached double figures for the 20th time.

NEXT UP: 
It's a full week for the Chaps, who will now turn their attention to LSC newcomer UT Dallas, who they will face at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Richardson, Texas.