No.3/10 Lubbock Christian University drained 16 three-pointers and held University of Texas of the Permian Basin to 30% shooting, as they cruised to an 82-39 victory in the closing game of the Arbor Hotels Classic inside Rip Griffin Center.
The 16 three-pointers were two shy of a program single-game record and are tied for 10th in Heartland Conference history. It ties as the fifth most in a single game this season in NCAA Division II.
LCU was 58% (29/50) from the field, which was their best shooting mark since shooting 62.7% (Nov. 21, 2017) last season against Tarleton State. The Lady Chaps made 16 three-pointers and 13 two-point field goals, marking the first time LCU has had more "threes" than "twos" since Feb. 18, 2017 (vs. Oklahoma Panhandle State) when LCU set a program single-game record with 18 three-points and 13 two-point field goals.
The Lady Chaps offense was hot right from the opening tip. They opened the game on a 7-0 run and made 11 of their first 14 shot attempts (eight were from three-point range). They made five consecutive field goals that were three-point field goals and exploded for a 29-8 lead at the close of the first quarter. LCU, 10-of-13 shooting in the first quarter (76.9%) were 7-of-10 from three-point range in the quarter. Five different Lady Chaps connected from long range in the first quarter, with Kailin Davis and Allie Schulte each hitting a pair.
LCU went with a lot of depth in the second quarter. Seven different Lady Chaps figured into the scoring and LCU built the lead to 47-17 heading into the half. Schulte (11) and Davis (10) combined for 21 points in the half. LCU assisted on 14 of their 16 field goals over the half. LCU was 11-of-19 (57.9%) from three-point range in the half.
Fittingly, Shulte opened the second half up with a three-pointer and LCU led 50-17 10 seconds into the second half. UTPB did respond with an 8-1 run, but it abruptly came to an end due to a three-point field goal by Olivia Robertson, igniting a 13-2 run to close the third quarter (provided LCU a 64-27 lead).
All LCU starters played under seven minutes in the second half and none played in the fourth quarter. The bench was still able to outscore UTPB 18-12 in the fourth quarter. Taylor Stevenson led LCU in scoring in the fourth quarter with five points.
LCU had point production from 11 of their 12 active players, with four completing the game in double figures. Schulte led LCU with four three-pointers (4-of-6) and had a game-high 16 points, with Olivia Robertson (11), Davis (10) and Ashton Duncan (10) each in double figures. Even with the outside shoot success, LCU out-scored UTPB 22-10 in paint scoring. LCU also had a 20-12 scoring advantage in points-off-turnovers and a 35-17 (+18) advantage in rebounds.
UTPB, who was held with a second-chance point, did not have any players in double figures. The Falcons (1-3) finished 15-of-50 (30%) from the field.
LCU improved to 5-0 on the season with the win. Their 43-point margin of victory was largest since an 82-39 win over Rogers State on Feb. 10, 2017.
TURNING POINT
The opening quarter set the tone for the game. LCU connected on six of their first eight three-point attempts and 11 of their first 14 shot attempts. Meanwhile, UTPB missed their first five shot attempts and made four of their first 17 attempts (23.5%). They also committed eight turnovers in the opening quarter.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
All 12 active players received playing time for LCU. Everyone played at least 8:15 and no starter played more than 22:25.