JOURNAL SPORTS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — March basketball in Memorial Auditorium for the NAIA Tournament brings pressure, opportunity, and a chance to etch another chapter into program history — and LSU Shreveport is right at home in the moment.

The Pilots, in the NAIA playoffs for the 22nd consecutive season, square off with Ave Maria University of Florida in the Round of 16 today at 2:30. LSUS is the regional second seed while Ave Maria is No. 3 and both teams average over 90 points per game.

Fans can follow the action in real time:

Live Stats:  https://prestolivestats.com/ixnvzsvkjb4veits/h8qqayc2vne1nqzq

Live Stream: https://urbanedgenetwork.net/watch/12517

The winner will play again Monday against either regional top seed Grace (Indiana) or No. 4 Cumberlands (Ky.).

Under veteran coach Kyle Blankenship, LSUS has made an Elite Eight run in 2012 and Fab Four appearance in 2013 and 2018.

The Pilots (28-5) enter the matchup after sweeping the Red River Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles, carrying one of the most balanced and explosive profiles in the 16-team national tournament Sweet 16 field. LSUS averages 90.6 points per game.

Senior Hayden Brittingham, the RRAC Player of the Year, leads the charge with 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, while Khi Wallace adds 15.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, giving LSUS a powerful inside-out presence. Alexzaye Johnson continues to be the engine of the offense, averaging 5.2 assists per game pushing the Pilots’ fast-paced attack.

LSUS outpaced Tougaloo and Texas Wesleyan last weekend at home to reach Kansas City.

Ave Maria (28-4) shared the Sun Conference regular-season title and captured the postseason championship. The Gyrenes have surged through the national tournament with wins over Texas A&M-Texarkana (84-62) and Friends (108-102).

Averaging 92.2 points per game, Ave Maria features a dynamic offensive unit led by Michael Klekas (17.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Jonathan Effertz (15.3 ppg).