The ACU men’s basketball team bounced back from its first conference loss of the season Saturday with a convincing 68-56 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The Wildcats (9-7, 4-1 SLC) forced 25 turnovers, holding the Islanders (6-11, 2-4 SLC) to its fewest points in game in 2020.

Senior guard Payton Ricks led the way in points for ACU with three three-pointers, three steals and 13 points.

Despite the win, shooting for the Wildcats was dismal, finishing 18-52 (34.6%). It marks the lowest shooting percentage for ACU since Nov. 29 against SMU.

Senior forward Tony Lewis shined bright for TXAM-CC. Lewis finished the evening with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. He fouled out of the game with just under two minutes of play.

The Wildcats jumped out to an 18-3 lead early, but the Islanders marched its way back in the second half. Lewis drilled a three-pointer with 5:16 remaining to trim the deficit to just two.

However ACU responded, finishing the game on a 14-4 run to seal the victory in Moody Coliseum.

With the win, the Wildcats bounce back from its first conference loss of the season against McNeese, 88-84. They currently sit tied for second in the Southland with Stephen F. Austin (13-3, 4-1 SLC) and one game behind Nicholls (11-6, 5-1 SLC).

Up next, ACU they wrap-up its three-game home series Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana (4-12, 1-4 SLC) at 7 p.m. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will travel to Hammond, Louisiana, to battle with Southeastern Louisiana Wednesday at 7 p.m.