NATCHITOCHES, La.— It was a battle from the opening tip between the Wildcats and the Demons on Wednesday night in Prather Coliseum. ACU came into the game looking for another solid win after a great team win on Saturday night over UIW. After leading early in the game, the Wildcats let the Demons close out the first half on a 10-1 run taking a five-point advantage into the half. ACU found a way to come back in the second half and keep the game close but a late three from NSU gave the Demons a four-point advantage the Wildcats were unable to overcome. The 73-69 loss dropped the Wildcats to 7-4 in Southland play.
Key Plays
- The Wildcats looked to the paint early and often, scoring six of their first nine points at the bucket.
- Payten Ricks connected on his first three of the night with just over seven minutes left to play in the first half, breaking a 20-all tie.
- Hayden Howell made a great hook shot in the paint to put the Wildcats up four with just under four minutes to play in the first half.
- After the Howell bucket the Demons closed the first half on a 10-1 run.
- ACU opened the second half on a 9-4 run that tied the game at 42.
- Airion Simmons hit back-to-back threes with seven minutes left for a six-point swing, giving ACU the three-point lead.
- NSU secured an offensive rebound with a minute and a half left to play, leading to a mid-range jumper giving the Demons a late lead.
- With the Demons leading by one point, NSU tallied a block and defensive rebound leading to a three-point make on the other end giving them a four-point lead.
Turning Point
The Demons 10-1 run to close the first half shifted the momentum into NSU's favor and allowed them to keep the momentum throughout the second half.
Stat Pack
- Joe Pleasant led all scorers with 16 points, he totaled three rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and an assist.
- The Demons went to the free-throw line 24 times, making 16 of their attempts, compared to the Wildcats 16 total trip to the line.
- ACU out rebounded the Demons 41-39, including 16-10 on the offensive boards.
- Airion Simmons had a solid game off the bench scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds.
- NSU's Chudier Bile went 8-10 from the free throw line including 4-4 down the stretch to seal the game for NSU.
- The game had 14 lead changes and 13 ties.
- Payten Ricks scored in double figures once again going 4-11 from the field with three made threes.
Up Next
The Wildcats return home on Saturday to face Lamar in a rematch of an earlier game this season. ACU won 74-62 at Lamar earlier in the season and will look for the season sweep on Saturday night in Moody Coliseum. The game tips at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
