LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock showcased two of its best individual performances of the season Saturday night, but career nights from Johnathan Lawson and Kachi Nzeh weren't enough to overcome Arkansas State in a 90–78 setback at the Jack Stephens Center.
Lawson erupted for a career-high 33 points on six three-pointers, while Nzeh delivered a dominant 30-point, four-block performance as the Trojans battled throughout the rivalry matchup. The game marked the first time in Trojans' history that two players have both scored more than 30 points in the same contest.
"We were feeding off each other," Nzeh said. "He was feeling, and I was feeling it. We were both working together and going with the flow."
Little Rock made several pushes in the second half behind its two standouts. Lawson drilled a deep three at the 18:19 mark, and Nzeh, who also notched a career scoring high threw down an emphatic dunk with 9:55 remaining to energize the crowd of 2,691. But each time the Trojans closed the gap, Arkansas State answered, including a key Matt Hayman three-pointer with 2:50 to play before sealing the game at the free-throw line.
Braxton Bayless added 13 points, eight assists, and two steals, while Christian Hughes tallied three steals to help spark a defensive effort that produced 18 points off Red Wolves turnovers.
Despite strong guard play and 10 made threes, Little Rock found itself battling uphill after Arkansas State built a 46–39 halftime advantage. The Trojans forced eight first-half turnovers and converted them into 13 points, but the Red Wolves countered with a significant edge on the glass and 17 bench points to stay in front.
In the second half, Little Rock continued to generate offense, but Arkansas State remained efficient, shooting 17-for-35 from the field and adding 24 points in the paint while holding a 20–13 rebounding margin. The Trojans cut the deficit multiple times, yet ASU maintained at least a two-possession cushion over the final stretch.
"I was happy with the effort, we played hard," Little Rock head coach Darrell Walker said. "We fought, and I have no problem with our effort."
Lawson and Bayless each knocked down early threes to keep Little Rock close in the opening minutes, but a 12–4 Red Wolves run—sparked by transition scores from Fredy-Salam Sylla and Hayman—created early separation. Lawson's fast-break three at the 1:43 mark trimmed the margin late in the half, but Arkansas State converted a layup in the closing seconds to take a seven-point lead into the locker room.
Little Rock now turns its attention to West Virginia. The Trojans play the Mountaineers at 6 p.m., Tuesday.
