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You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats’ defense secures conference win over Islanders
Senior guard Payten Ricks takes the ball down the court. (Photo by Riley Fisher)

Wildcats’ defense secures conference win over Islanders

January 13, 2020 by Owen Simpson

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.

Filed Under: Sports

Other Sports:

  • Wildcats gear up for conference realignment

  • University, men’s golf coach part ways after 12 seasons

  • Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

About Owen Simpson

- Editor-in-Chief and Sports Director
- ESPN Analyst for ESPN football and basketball

I'm a senior journalism major from Georgetown, Texas. I serve in several roles for the ACU JMC department. For years, I've had a passion in sports and news, and I'm pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, along with any opportunity that presents itself in the media department.

You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats’ defense secures conference win over Islanders

Other Sports:

  • Wildcats gear up for conference realignment

  • University, men’s golf coach part ways after 12 seasons

  • Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

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