First-place Pilots run away from Eagles to finish off season sweep

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — A&M-Texarkana hung around with the first-place team in the Red River Athletic Conference for a little more than a quarter, but LSU-Shreveport flexed its muscle in the second, allowing the Pilots to run away with an 85-55 win over the Eagles and a season sweep of the series between the two teams.

The Eagles (12-12 overall, 9-9 RRAC) trailed by just two points after the first 10 minutes, but a 20-4 run by the Pilots (22-2, 18-0) to end the half put the home team in front by 25 at the break. LSUS led by as many as 34 early in the fourth period as the home team cruised to victory.

The Pilots scored 58 points in the paint and forced the Eagles into 22 turnovers resulting in 25 points. LSUS also had 52 points from its bench players compared to just five from the Eagles, who have been plagued by a lack of depth all season. The Pilots attempted 25 more shots than the Eagles (80-55) and converted 36 opportunities (45 percent).

Kayla Williams – coming off her third straight RRAC Player of the Week honor – led the Eagles with 18 points and eight rebounds, Quren Santiago added 13 points and five assists, while Jaslyn Woods chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds. The Eagles finished 22-of-55 from the floor (40 percent). Skyler Christmas led the Pilots with 18 points, Destanee Roblow added 16 points and 11 rebounds, and the Pilots had a total of 10 players contribute to its scoring total.

The Eagles are now 1-2 on the current five-game road schedule, which continues Thursday at North American in Stafford, Texas. TAMUT is currently holding at fourth in the RRAC, one game ahead of the Stallions (11-14, 8-10). Thursday's game is scheduled for a 5:30 pm tip-off.