By PRESTON EDWARDS, Journal Sports
Whether the game is known as the Crosstown Showdown, the Shreveport Showdown, or the Kings Highway Clash, it is always a raucous environment when LSUS and Centenary hook up on the hardwood. This year’s edition was no different Wednesday night at the Gents’ Gold Dome.
While this is considered a rivalry game, the Pilots have come out on the winning end in six of the previous seven games in the series. So, this rivalry has been somewhat one-sided.
The eighth edition of this classic was the season opener for both squads and it was full of fireworks and drama. LSUS built a 10-point lead with a minute left only to squander it. However, missed last second looks by Seth Thomas and Jalen Behr helped the Pilots escape the Gold Dome with a 67-64 victory.
LSUS coach Kyle Blankenship spoke about the atmosphere and each team’s performance after the game.
“Shreveport showed up (for this one tonight). Great atmosphere. It was our first time out with some new guys. We try to schedule tough in the preseason to put them in situations they will see later in March. We had a 10-point lead late that we tried to give away. That (Centenary) is a well-coached team.”
His Pilots looked like they might lose their second game in the rivalry as the game opened. Seth Thomas, Centenary’s fifth-year senior, scored eight of the first 10 and helped the Gents build a 15-2 lead by the first mandatory timeout.
The Pilots walked the Gents down, however, and made it a one-point game midway through the first half by getting to the charity stripe. LSUS made 11 free throws to help cut the margin to single digits. Despite the Pilots’ surge, Centenary managed to carry a 33-29 lead into intermission.
The second half became a back-and-forth contest. Melvion Flanagan began the scoring with a traditional three-point play cutting the lead to one. From there, each team traded baskets and the lead most of the way.
There were six ties and nine lead changes in the second half. LSUS took command at the three-minute mark, going on an 8-0 run which gave it that 10-point lead. Paul King, who went perfect from the free throw line, led the Pilots with 15. Guard Damon Davis followed with 14.
Quentin Beverly and Seth Thomas were the Gents’ dynamic duo on the night. They had 20 and 18 respectively, which led all scorers.
Centenary coach Chris Dorsey talked about the maturation of the night’s leading scorer.
“Que has become a verbal leader while last year he led by example. He is one of our top offensive guys and we expect a lot from him.”
Both teams can take positives into their next game from this one.
LSUS and Centenary will open their home schedules next Wednesday. LSUS will hook up with John Melvin in their annual Champions of Character game while the Gents will host Texas College.
Women — LSUS 88, Centenary 48
Blankenship got his first win as the interim coach of the women’s team as a nine-point run at the end of the first quarter broke open a tight game in Wednesday’s first contest. The Lady Pilots led by 11 after one, and took a commanding 20-point lead at the break.
The Lady Pilots saw five players score in double figures, led by Tyquanna Ross who had 12. TaNyjah Plumber of the Lady Gents led all scorers in the game with 13 points, going 3-5 from three.
LSUS moves to 1-1 on the young season. They will play Dillard on Saturday at The Dock.
The Centenary Ladies will officially open their season next Wednesday on the road at Jarvis Christian. Their game against the Lady Pilots counted as an exhibition.
Contact Preston at preston9360@gmail.com