By: Everett Corder (everett.corder@lcu.edu)
NO. 25 LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN (5-0) at FORT LEWIS (2-1)
Saturday, Nov. 22 – 7 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. CT
Whalen Gymnasium – Durango, Colorado
TIPOFF
Lubbock Christian is gearing up for their first true road game of the season. They just finished a close win over Colorado Mesa, improving to 5-0— their best start since 2021.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
- Road Game Debut: This is LCU’s first real road game this season. Last year, they had a solid 10-3 record away from home.
- Star Player Alert: Amondo Miller Jr. scored 27 points in the last game. He’s been on fire, averaging 23.8 points per game, second-best in the Lone Star Conference.
- Double-Double Machine: Antonio Pusateri notched his third double-double this season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. He leads the conference in rebounding at 9.4 per game.
- Offensive Challenges: LCU had a tough shooting night, hitting just 39.2% from the field. However, their overall shooting percentage stands strong at 50.6%, leading the LSC.
- Assists Matter: The team recorded 16 assists in the last game, averaging 17.40 assists per game this season, which is also the highest in the conference.
SCOUTING THE SKYHAWKS
- Fort Lewis is off to a 2-0 start but recently lost to Western New Mexico.
- The Skyhawks have a dedicated coaching staff of 11, led by Jordan Mast in his second season.
- Three players on the team are scoring an impressive 15 points per game, with Jaxon Smith leading at 18 points.
- Fort Lewis won their first two games by just three points each, showing they thrive in close matches.
- This game is special for Miller Jr., who played for Fort Lewis in the 2023-24 season.
THE SERIES WITH THE FALCONS
Lubbock Christian and Fort Lewis have a long history dating back to 1973. LCU had early success against them but hasn’t won since 1975. Their recent encounters in the D-II era include a match in 2024, where Fort Lewis came out on top 86-72.
This game is crucial for both teams. Lubbock Christian looks to maintain their perfect season, while Fort Lewis aims to bounce back. If the Chaps can build on their strengths and learn from their last game, they have a great chance to come out victorious.
For more stats and insights, you can check the NCAA’s official statistics [here](https://www.ncaa.com). Recent surveys show that teams with strong offensive assist rates often perform better in close games, making LCU’s assist average an important factor moving forward.
