Paul Quinn Falls to LSU Shreveport in a Close Contest
December 5, 2024 – Dallas, TX Paul Quinn College's men’s basketball team faced off against LSU Shreveport in an intense matchup at the Health and Wellness Center. Despite a spirited effort, the Tigers fell short, losing 69-61 to the visiting Pilots. The game featured strong performances from both teams but was ultimately decided by LSU Shreveport’s efficiency and control in key moments.
Game Highlights
The first half saw an energetic exchange, with LSU Shreveport holding a narrow 42-37 lead at halftime. Paul Quinn struggled to maintain momentum in the second half, as their shooting cooled to just 28.6%, while the Pilots held their ground with solid defense and rebounding.
Key areas of the game included points in the paint, where LSU Shreveport outscored Paul Quinn 42-30, and points off turnovers, which favored the Pilots 19-9.
Individual Performances
- Paul Quinn College (2-7, 2-4)
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- Norris Williams led the Tigers with a stellar 21-point performance, including 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range. He also contributed seven rebounds and six assists in a game-high 40 minutes.
- Julian Spotser added 8 points and seven rebounds, providing a strong presence inside.
- John Harrison recorded 9 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his defensive impact despite limited offensive efficiency.
- LSU Shreveport (5-5, 2-4)
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- Meikkel Murray dominated with 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting and added nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double.
- Taj Anderson scored 14 points, hitting 3-of-9 from beyond the arc while contributing five rebounds.
- Trey Boston came off the bench to score 11 points, hitting key free throws to help secure the win.
Statistical Breakdown
- Shooting:
Paul Quinn shot 38.3% from the field, with a sharp first half (46.9%) giving way to a cold second half (28.6%). LSU Shreveport finished the game, shooting 42.6%, with an efficient first half (51.6%) setting the tone.
From three-point range, Paul Quinn hit 5-of-18 (27.8%), while LSU Shreveport struggled at 4-of-17 (23.5%). - Rebounding:
Paul Quinn narrowly won the rebounding battle 41-38, including 13 offensive boards. However, LSU Shreveport capitalized better on second-chance opportunities, scoring 11 points to Paul Quinn's 10. - Turnovers:
Turnovers were critical, as Paul Quinn committed 15 compared to LSU Shreveport's 13. The Pilots converted these into 19 points, while the Tigers managed only nine off turnovers.
Key Takeaways
Paul Quinn displayed resilience but struggled to maintain consistent offense in the second half. Norris Williams stood out as a versatile scorer and playmaker, while four total blocks and seven steals highlighted the team's defensive efforts.
LSU Shreveport's balance and timely scoring allowed them to control the game down the stretch. Meikkel Murray's near-perfect shooting and dominance on the boards were instrumental in their victory.
Looking Ahead
Paul Quinn will aim to regroup and refine their offensive execution as they prepare for their next matchup. LSU Shreveport's win brings them back to .500, and they'll look to build on this performance as their season progresses.
Final Score: LSU Shreveport 69, Paul Quinn 61.