LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock pulled away in the second half Monday night, defeating Williams Baptist 98–84 at the Jack Stephens Center to close out nonconference play.
The Trojans (4–9) broke open a two-point halftime lead by outscoring Williams Baptist (9–4) 55–43 after the break, fueled by an aggressive transition attack and interior dominance. Little Rock finished with 20 fast-break points and 48 points in the paint.
"We committed 15 turnovers in the first half, and that was the difference," Little Rock head coach
Darrell Walker said. "We took better care of the ball in the second half and played better, but overall we have to be better."
Little Rock seized control early in the second half.
Cameron Wallace ignited the run with a dunk off a Lawson assist, and despite back-to-back three-pointers from Washington, the Trojans responded with a decisive 15–0 run. The surge featured a fast-break dunk from Lawson, assisted by
Braxton Bayless, pushing the lead into double figures and shifting the game firmly in Little Rock's favor.
Williams Baptist continued to battle, but Little Rock's balanced scoring and defensive pressure proved too much down the stretch, allowing the Trojans to close out the 98–84 victory.
"Coach Walker told us at halftime that if we didn't play better, we were going to blow one right before Christmas," Lawson said. "We didn't want that to happen, so everyone stepped up in the second half. We went on a good run, came together as a team, and created some easy baskets."
Lawson led the Trojans with 29 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding six assists. Wallace posted 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Nzeh recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with three blocks. Bayless chipped in six assists and three steals.
The opening half was tightly contested throughout. After the teams traded early baskets, Little Rock gained momentum behind a three-pointer from Nzeh and a strong inside sequence from
Tuongthach Gatkek. Williams Baptist answered with timely perimeter shooting, including a three from Jesse Washington, while Deion Wesson provided consistent offense to keep the visitors within striking distance.
Lawson's late free throws helped Little Rock maintain control, sending the Trojans into the locker room with a 43–41 advantage.
Little Rock returns to action Thursday, Jan. 1, hosting Tennessee Tech at 5 p.m. inside the Jack Stephens Center. The Trojans then play host to Tennessee State at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 3.
