SF Austin defeats SE Louisiana 63-73
SF Austin Edges SE Louisiana in Thrilling Conference Showdown
The Pride Roofing University Center was abuzz with energy last night as the home team, SE Louisiana, hosted their conference rivals from SF Austin. The visiting squad, however, had other plans, emerging victorious with a 10-point margin in a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams showcase their strengths.
As the game tipped off, it became clear that neither team was willing to back down. With the score tied at halftime, SF Austin took a slim lead into the final frame, setting up what promised to be an intense finish. In the end, it was the away team's superior shooting and rebounding that proved decisive.
Lateef Patrick led the SF Austin charge with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, but he was well-supported by teammate Gediminas Alisas, who chipped in with seven points and six rebounds. The duo combined for a crucial 22 points and eight rebounds in the final half, giving their team the boost it needed to pull away.
For SE Louisiana, Makhi Myles led the charge offensively, notching 20 points on an impressive 5-for-5 3-point shooting performance (66.7% FG). He was aided by Isaiah Gaines, who hauled in a game-high seven rebounds and added eight points of his own. However, despite their strong individual performances, the home team ultimately came up short.
The final tally read 73-63 in favor of SF Austin, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance throughout the contest. The visitor's superior shooting percentages (46.8% eFG vs. 40% for SE Louisiana) and rebounding margin (37.2 OREB% to 26.7%) proved too much for the home team to overcome.
In a game that was as much about rebounding as it was about shots, SF Austin's ability to secure key boards down the stretch ultimately made the difference between victory and defeat. The away team's 15 free throws from the line (79.0% rate) also provided an extra layer of security against SE Louisiana's late surge.
This win not only boosts SF Austin's conference standing but also serves as a significant road victory for the team, further solidifying their position in the league. With this triumph under their belt, they'll look to continue their momentum as they head into the next conference matchup.