Balanced attack lifts LSU Shreveport past LSU Alexandria in RRAC tournament

LSU Shreveport used a balanced three-headed scoring effort to defeat LSU Alexandria 87-70 in the Red River Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Laborde Earles Coliseum in Alexandria, La.

The Pilots led 39-32 at halftime and methodically pulled away after the break, outscoring the Generals 48-38 in the second half to secure the 17-point victory. LSU Shreveport’s efficiency proved to be the difference, as the Pilots shot 49.1% from the field (27 of 55) compared with 31.7% (20 of 63) for LSU Alexandria. Shreveport also controlled the glass with a 41-39 rebounding edge and converted 28 of 41 free throws, while the Generals finished 23 of 36 at the line.

Emareyon McDonald, Khi Wallace and James Johnson each scored 22 points to power LSU Shreveport. McDonald went 8-for-14 from the floor and 4-for-9 from 3-point range while adding eight rebounds in 39 minutes. Wallace provided an efficient spark, hitting 8 of 9 shots and grabbing five boards in 23 minutes. Johnson anchored the interior with a double-double, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds while going 10-for-11 at the free-throw line.

LSU Shreveport’s balance extended beyond its leading trio. The Pilots finished with 15 assists on 27 made field goals and received 27 points from their bench, helping them maintain control even when dealing with foul trouble — they were whistled for 27 personal fouls. Defensively, Shreveport altered the game at the rim with five blocks and limited LSU Alexandria to 16 points in the paint, forcing the Generals to settle for perimeter looks.

LSU Alexandria stayed within striking distance for much of the first half before Shreveport’s offense began to impose its will. The Generals struggled to convert from beyond the arc, shooting 7-for-28 (25.0%) from 3-point range, and could not fully capitalize on their 13 offensive rebounds. They committed only six turnovers and produced 24 bench points, but the shooting disparity and Shreveport’s ability to get to the line consistently created too large a margin.

EJ McQuillan led LSU Alexandria with 22 points, finishing 6-for-19 from the field, 3-for-9 from deep and 7-for-10 at the line in 39 minutes. TJ James gave the Generals a strong presence inside, recording 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. LSU Alexandria also collected seven steals and matched Shreveport on the boards for stretches, but the Pilots’ 34-16 advantage in points in the paint underscored the gap in efficiency near the basket.

With the win, LSU Shreveport advances in the 2026 RRAC men’s basketball tournament behind an offense that showed both inside-out balance and depth. LSU Alexandria exits after a performance defined by effort on the glass and at the defensive end, but hampered by cold shooting on a neutral floor in front of an announced crowd of 250. The game was officiated by Brent Simmons, Damien Richard and Derrick Ward.