LCU Faces Augusta in Hall of Fame Classic
Lubbock Christian University (LCU) is set to battle Augusta on Sunday, November 2, at 11 a.m. in the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic held in Lakeland, Florida. After a strong opening game against UVA Wise, where LCU dominated, the team is eager to continue its momentum. This Hall of Fame Classic, which began in 2016, boasts competitions among top-ranked teams. Seven out of the ten participating this year are in the national top 25.
Here are some key points to watch for in this matchup:
Winning Streak: LCU has won six straight season openers since the 2020-21 season. Their last loss came in 2019 against Regis. Interestingly, they haven’t started a season with two victories since their remarkable 2021-22 season.
Rebounding Dominance: Despite facing opponents with height—including a seven-footer—LCU out-rebounded UVA Wise 45-38. Antonio Pusateri led the team with 13 rebounds, a notable performance that hasn’t been matched by a Chaparral since 2024.
Shooting Accuracy: In the opener, LCU shot an impressive 53.1%. Last season, they regularly exceeded a 50% shooting percentage, establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the Lone Star Conference.
Scoring Depth: The Chaparrals showcased their scoring ability, with five players reaching double figures against UVA Wise. Key contributors included Amondo Miller Jr. and Pusateri, both scoring 19 points. Alex Anamekwe also set a new career-high with 18 points.
Defensive Strength: LCU’s defense was solid, limiting UVA Wise to just 13% from beyond the arc. Last season, opponents managed 32.4% shooting from three-point range.
About Augusta:
Augusta’s team is fresh this year, featuring a mix of talent with seven freshmen, including three from outside the U.S. Their head coach, Dib Metress, is experienced, marking his 22nd season with Augusta. Last season, the Jaguars recorded a 19-11 record and were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They are currently predicted to finish fourth in the Peach Belt preseason poll. Notably, Augusta was among the top ten nationally last season with a field goal percentage of 49.9%.
This game marks the first meeting ever between Lubbock Christian and Augusta, making it an exciting match for both teams. With LCU’s strong start and Augusta’s new roster, fans can anticipate a thrilling competition.
For more insights on collegiate basketball, check out the NCAA website.
