Pushing 20: Chaps Beat Comets for 20th Win This Season

Next Game:

at Dallas Baptist University

2/7/2026 | 7:30 P.M.

Feb. 07 (Sat) / 7:30 P.M.

at Dallas Baptist University

History

LUBBOCK, Texas (February, 5, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University shot a scorching 59 percent in the first half on the way to defeating UT Dallas 86-60 at the UTD Activity Center on Thursday. 

The Chaparrals built a commanding 55-23 lead by halftime, and were propelled in the game by 46 points in the paint and eight steals. The Comets managed to close the gap slightly in the second half, but LCU’s early dominance secured the victory.

LCU is now 20-3 on the season and 11-2 in Lone Star Conference play. DBU was idle tonight, but Eastern New Mexico did win, so the Chaps and the Greyhounds are in a tie for first in the league standings. 

The Comets scored the first basket of the game, which was their only lead all night as Lubbock Christian opened the game with a powerful offensive display, quickly taking control against UT Dallas. Along with the 59 percent shooting from the field in the first 20 minutes, they hit an incredible 6-of-9 (66.7 percent) from behind the arc. 

LCU went on a 17-point run midway through the first half, highlighted by Amondo Miller Jr.’s scoring surge and Leo Nordberg’s timely three-pointers. The Chaparrals capitalized on UTD turnovers, converting them into fast break points and building a substantial lead. The first half concluded with the Chaps firmly ahead, 55-23.

The Chaps were hot to start the second half, as Lucas Mercandino scored the first four points of a 6-0 LCU run that had them ahead by 38 – their largest lead of the night. Antonio Pusateri contributed significantly with a series of baskets, including a layup at the 15:42 mark, pushing the visiting team further ahead. 

Lubbock Christian was still ahead by 32 at the under-four minute media timeout, when they turned to their bench. UTD scored nine of the game’s final 12 points, but it was easy for the Chaps to coast to the win. 

Pusateri led LCU with 26 points and collected 13 rebounds. Amondo Miller Jr. added 24 points and matched Pusateri with 13 rebounds while also recording three steals. Leo Nordberg posted 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and dished out six assists.

GAME NOTES: 

– Pusateri recorded his league-leading 15th double-double and flirted with a triple-double by adding in five assists. He is the first Chap with at least 20 points, at least 10 rebounds, and at least five assists since Tiras Morton against Texas A&M International on Dec. 10, 2023. Rowan Mackenzie is the only other Chap to achieve that stat line, which he accomplished twice.

– With the win, the Chaparrals are the first LSC team to reach the 20-win mark this season. They have now won at least 20 games for the third-straight season and the sixth time in the Todd Duncan Era.

– Thursday marked the 11th time this season that Lubbock Christian has shot better than 50 percent in a game, and they are 10-1 in those contests.

– Nordberg’s 13 points are a new career-high, as he reached double figures for the third time this season.

– The Chaps’ 43 rebounds are the most they’ve had in a game in 2026. The last time they had more than 43 rebounds was the Dec. 21 game against West Liberty, when they had 48.

NEXT UP: 

For their third game in five days, Lubbock Christian will take on Dallas Baptist at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night at the Burg Center.