Chaps Take On Centennial State: Exciting Two-Game Showdown for Lubbock Christian University Athletics!

Lubbock Christian Takes on Colorado Mesa

This weekend, the Lubbock Christian University (LCU) men’s basketball team is heading to Colorado. They’ll face Colorado Mesa and Fort Lewis after a strong start this season, boasting a 4-0 record. This is their best opening performance since the 2021-22 season.

In a thrilling game against Regis, the Chaparrals scored 105 points, marking their first-time hitting triple digits this season. Twelve different players contributed to the score, including Devin Baccas and Emerson Juhasz, who both scored their first collegiate points. Kendall Dow led the team with 20 points, followed closely by Lucas Mercandino and Jett McCasland.

LCU’s shooting has been exceptional, currently at 60.6%, significantly boosting their season average to .540, making them 12th in Division II. Their effective field goal percentage is also impressive at .631, ranking seventh nationally. Amondo Miller Jr. is leading the team with a 61.4% shooting rate.

Ball control has been another strength for the Chaparrals. Averaging only 9.8 turnovers per game ranks them third in their league and 21st nationally, while they lead the league with 17.8 assists per game. Leo Nordberg stands out with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.3, which is fourth in their conference.

Rebounding has shown significant improvement as well, with 39.0 rebounds per game, about six more than last year. Antonio Pusateri leads this effort with an average of 9.3 rebounds and has recorded two double-doubles.

Half of LCU’s playing time this season is from new players—including four freshmen and four transfers. This diverse group includes players from Finland, Argentina, Australia, and Hungary.

Currently, the Chaparrals are ranked No. 25 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll—their first preseason ranking since the 2022-23 season. Their upcoming match against Colorado Mesa promises to be exciting, especially since both teams are looking to solidify their standings.

Scouting Colorado Mesa

The Mavericks have had a mixed start, with one win and one loss. They experienced a thrilling buzzer-beater victory against Dallas Baptist and faced a tough loss to St. Edward’s. Coach Mike Dunlap, a two-time national champion at MSU-Denver, leads the team. Cohen Gonzales is currently their top player, averaging 17.5 points per game.

However, turnover issues plague them, averaging 22 turnovers per game, one of the highest rates in Division II. In their brief history, the Chaparrals are still searching for their first win against Colorado Mesa, having lost the last two encounters.

As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how both teams adapt and grow. This collision of strengths and weaknesses makes for an engaging matchup to watch!

Source link