The Eagles hit the floor in the first half with an apparent intent to head into the second round as they shot 48 percent from the field. Jeff Crocker scored 10 points during the first half to help the Eagles maintain a lead through the majority of the period.

Crocker got the Eagles rolling from the start hitting a long three pointer to score the first basket of the game. After an early 8-8 tie, the Eagles hit back-to-back baskets to lead 12-8 before LSU-Shreveport took their first lead of the game with 13:16 left on the clock.

Through four lead changes, the Eagles came out on top taking to their largest lead of nine points with 1:06 left to play. After a three-point from LSUS, the Eagles took to the locker room with a six-point lead at 38-32.

In the second half, the Eagles never allowed the Pilots within five points, until LSUS came within four in the last minute of the game.

Crocker paced the Eagles scoring another 16 points during the second half as they shot to their largest lead of the game, 12 points, with 12:10 showing on the clock.

With 7:08 left to play the Pilots made their way back to just five points down after a 7-0 run. The Eagles did not fail to respond, despite such, as they continued to put up points with help from Jason Taylor and Andre Vaughn.

The Eagles increased their lead to 10 points with 2:02 left on the clock. The lead wasn't enough to keep the Pilots out of the game, however, as they marched back to within four with 37 seconds still remaining to play.

As the Pilots fouled to stop the clock, the Eagles hit six of six from the line to secure a 10-point win over LSUS with an 80-70 decision.

Crocker kept the Eagles a step ahead of the Pilots with a total 26 points and six assists. Vaughn tallied 12 points of his own in the second half to total 18 for the game hitting nine out of 12 field goals.

Jason Taylor held firm underneath grabbing seven rebounds and going 12-for-12 from the line to total 16 points.

Chad Endres and Devan White played key defensive roles grabbing nine and six rebounds, respectively, while Endres added a crucial eight points as well.

"We weren't supposed to win," said head coach Dan Hays. "I lied to them. I told them that if they held them under 70 they would win. [LSUS] scored 70 but we still came out on top. They did a great job following the game plan."

The now 23-9 Eagles will face Lee University (Tenn.) on Friday at 12:30 p.m. for their second round matchup.

-OC-