Live updates: Fort Lewis defeats Lubbock Christian 86-72 in South Central region NCAA tournament opener

Saturday, Mar 16, 2024 1:00 PM Updated Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024 3:17 PM

Skyhawks in action Saturday at West Texas A&M; Fort Lewis will face Colorado Mesa on Sunday

The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks compete against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)

Joe Garcia III

The Fort Lewis Skyhawks missed nine of their first 11 field goal attempts in the opening round of the South Central Region tournament in Canyon, Texas, but they clawed their way back and pulled ahead to beat Lubbock Christian 86-72 in Saturday’s opener.

Obi Agbim had 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brayden Carter scored 15 points on 7 of 7 shooting.

Second-seeded Fort Lewis trailed 15-6 early against seventh-seeded Lubbock Christian, but kept it close by attacking the paint.

Agbim gave Fort Lewis a 28-27 lead on a pull-up fast break jumper with 3:08 left in the first half. Fort Lewis entered halftime up 37-32.

Carer helped Fort Lewis prolong such momentum in the second half with a handful of key defensive rebounds, and the Skyhawks knocked down some big jumpers.

As the second half progressed, Fort Lewis kept driving to the rim for layups and trips to the foul line.

Fort Lewis will face RMAC foe Colorado Mesa in the regional semifinals on Sunday. The tournament’s taking place at the First United Bank Center, home of West Texas A&M University.

bkelly@durangoherald.com

Joe Garcia III

The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks compete against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M Univerisity's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)

Joe Garcia III