Little Rock secured an 86-79 win over Western Illinois at the Jack Stephens Center on Saturday, improving its record to 9-10 overall and 6-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Trojans have now won seven of their last eight games.
Little Rock led 50-41 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. The team made all 15 of its free throws and hit 11 three-pointers during the game. Despite being outrebounded 42-32 by Western Illinois, Little Rock’s efficient offense and defense proved decisive.
“We did a good job staying poised,” said Little Rock head coach Darrell Walker. “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.”
The first half saw both teams exchanging leads in a fast-paced contest. Little Rock totaled 12 assists before halftime, with Johnathan Lawson making several three-pointers. Kachi Nzeh contributed with rebounds and points in the paint.
On defense, Little Rock recorded four steals and three blocks in the first half, limiting Western Illinois’ transition scoring opportunities. Cameron Wallace provided defensive rebounds and scored on fast breaks to help give the Trojans a nine-point lead at halftime.
In the second half, Nzeh opened with a dunk and jumper to increase the lead further. At one point, Nzeh hit a three-pointer to extend 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 Western Illinois attempted to narrow the gap with free throws and transition baskets, Little Rock responded with timely shooting and defensive stops from players including Braxton Bayless and Tuongthach Gatkek.
In the closing minutes, key plays from Lawson, Wallace, and Bayless helped secure the victory for Little Rock.
“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—including six three-pointers—alongside four assists and two steals. Wallace led all scorers with 21 points plus eight rebounds while converting all five of his free throws. Nzeh had 18 points on six-of-nine shooting with eight rebounds before fouling out; Bayless added nine points and six assists.
Little Rock’s next game is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22 against SEMO in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
“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.”
