LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock (9-10, 6-2 OVC) used efficient shooting, perfect free-throw accuracy and timely defense to earn an 86-79 victory over Western Illinois (4-15, 0-8 OVC) on Saturday at the Jack Stephens Center.
The Trojans, who have won seven of their past eight games, led 50-41 at halftime and never relinquished control in the second half, going a perfect 15-for-15 at the free-throw line and knocking down 11 three-pointers. Western Illinois held a 42-32 rebounding advantage, but was unable to overcome Little Rock's offensive efficiency and late-game execution.
"We did a good job staying poised," Little Rock head coach
Darrell Walker said. "Even when they made runs, we trusted our offense, got stops when we needed them and stepped up at the free-throw line. That's how you win conference games."
Little Rock shot well from the opening tip, as the teams traded leads early in a fast-paced first half. The Trojans moved the ball effectively, totaling 12 assists in the opening 20 minutes, while
Johnathan Lawson connected on multiple three-pointers.
Kachi Nzeh made his presence felt inside, contributing key rebounds and points in the paint.
Defensively, Little Rock recorded four steals and three blocks in the first half, limiting Western Illinois' transition opportunities.
Cameron Wallace sparked the Trojans with defensive rebounds and fast-break finishes, helping Little Rock carry a nine-point advantage into the break.
The Trojans opened the second half with renewed energy, as Nzeh scored on an early dunk and jumper to extend the lead. At the 17:47 mark, Nzeh drilled a three-pointer to push the advantage to 57-43.
"I was just trying to be aggressive and do my job," Nzeh said. "My teammates put me in great spots. I've been able to get open at different sports and knock the shots down."
As the game progressed,
Braxton Bayless and
Tuongthach Gatkek continued to score in the paint, while Lawson and Wallace facilitated the offense. Western Illinois trimmed the deficit with free throws and transition baskets, but Little Rock answered each surge with timely shots and defensive stops.
In the final minutes, the Trojans closed out the game at the line and with key baskets. Lawson buried a three-pointer with 3:30 remaining, Wallace added a fast-break layup at 1:36, and Bayless sealed the outcome with four consecutive free throws.
"We have learned from other games this season how to close games out down the stretch," Nzeh said. "In many of these OVC games, the final three minutes is going to be important. We came together at the end and made some shots when we needed them."
Lawson finished with 20 points, six three-pointers, four assists and two steals. Wallace led all scorers with 21 points and added eight rebounds, while making all five of his free-throw attempts. Nzeh recorded 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting with eight rebounds before fouling out. Bayless added nine points and six assists.
Little Rock returns to action Thursday, Jan. 22, when it travels to Cape Girardeau, Mo., to face SEMO. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
"We have a tough four-game road trip coming up," Walker said. "It's a long season, but if we can stay healthy, we'll have a chance. You have to protect home court and win some games on the road."
