Enjoyable within the Solar: Chaps Dominate Cavaliers in Season-Opener

LAKELAND, Fla. (November 1, 2025)  — Lubbock Christian University routed UVA Wise 90-52 on Saturday at Jenkins Field House to open up the 2025-26 season. 

The Chaparrals’ offense was sturdy, hitting 34 of 64 photographs from the sector, together with 11 three-pointers. The group dominated the boards with a 45-38 rebounding benefit, regardless of UVAW’s dimension benefit, and transformed 22 factors off turnovers. UVA Wise struggled offensively, making solely 20 of 63 area objective makes an attempt, and was outscored 48-28 within the second half.

The Chaparrals begin the season at 1-0 total. UVA Wise begins their marketing campaign with an 0-1 report.

Lubbock Christian opened the primary half assertively, taking management with the sport’s first eight factors. Alex Anamekwe contributed considerably with each defensive rebounds and two three-pointers, because the Chaps jumped out to a 15-point lead simply 5 minutes in. The group’s offense was additional bolstered by the efforts of Lucas Mercandino, who had 11 first half factors, and Antonio Pusateri, who scored 9 within the opening 20 minutes.

Despite efforts from UVA Wise, together with a short scoring run that reduce the lead again to 13, the Chaparrals maintained a gradual lead all through the half. By the top of the primary half, LCU led 42-24.

Lubbock Christian opened the second half with a 7-0 scoring run led by Miller Jr., who contributed a number of layups and a three-pointer. Kendall Dow added a fast-break three-pointer at 18:38, rising their lead. 

The Chaparrals prolonged their benefit with Lee van der Westhuizen and Ignacio Garcia every scoring layups within the latter half. They outscored their opponents 48-28 within the second half, culminating in a decisive 90-52 victory over the Cavaliers.

Amondo Miller Jr. led the group with 19 factors, changing seven of 12 area targets and gathering 9 rebounds. Pusateri matched Miller Jr.’s scoring with 19 factors whereas flattening a team-high 13 rebounds. Anamekwe added a career-high 18 factors, highlighted by 4 three-pointers, and recorded two steals and two blocks. Lucas Mercandino contributed 11 factors, together with three three-pointers.

GAME NOTES:

– A whopping 5 totally different Chaps completed in double figures, together with 19 apiece from Antonio Pusateri in his first LCU look and Amondo Miller Jr., who was three shy of matching his LCU profession excessive.

– UVAW shot 50 p.c from the free-throw line (9-18), which is the worst free-throw capturing proportion by a Chap opponent for the reason that second sport of final season, when St. Cloud State additionally shot 50 p.c.

– LCU has now received six consecutive season-openers, relationship again to the 2020-21 season. They haven’t began a season 2-0, nevertheless, for the reason that 2021-22 season.

– Every wholesome participant on the group acquired within the sport for the Chaparrals, together with collegiate debuts for Lee Van Der Westuizen, Jett McCasland, Emerson Juhasz, and Adam Varadi.

– Pusateri led the Chaps with 13 rebounds, which is probably the most by an LCU participant in a single sport since Feb. 15, 2024, when Tiras Morton had 14.

NEXT UP:

It’s a fast turnaround for Lubbock Christian, which can be again on the court docket at 11 a.m. on Sunday to tackle Augusta.

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