Houston Christian University Athletics

Follow @HCUHoops

HOUSTON --- Houston Christian University raced out to a big lead early and never looked back, trouncing Louisiana Christian University for a 108-45 season-opening victory in historic Sharp Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
 
A three-pointer by Zadrien Sewell put LCU up 3-1 just over a minute into the ballgame. That would be the only lead for the Wildcats, as HCU went on a 18-0 run over the next six minutes. A tip-in by Mambourou Mara started the spurt with Max Alexander and Bubz Alvarez later connecting on back-to-back triples to give HCU its first double-digit lead.
 
Moments later Shawn Simmons II went to the line for two shots and connected on the first before missing the second, but the offensive rebound fell to Kris Keinys and Esyah Pippa-White then found Simmons II underneath for the jam and a 20-3 advantage.
 

Missed free throw? No problem... Shawn Simmons II throws it down with an assist from Esyah Pippa-White and @HCUHoops is rolling in Sharp Gym! #DawgsUp https://t.co/dtWGfvleCD

— HCU Athletics (@HCUAthletics) November 4, 2026

HCU built the lead to 19 on three occasions before the Wildcats cut the margin to 14 on five straight points from Cam Ned. That would be as close as the visitors would get, as the Huskies opened things up again. Mambourou Mara highlighted a 20-0 run with put two thunderous slams and a three-ball at the buzzer gave HCU an insurmountable 37-point lead at the break, 58-21.
 

👀 Get up, big fella! Mara with another slam on the break and Sharp is rocking! @HCUHoops #DawgsUp https://t.co/0IZwjEU6j7

— HCU Athletics (@HCUAthletics) November 4, 2026

The lead grew to 50 midway through the second frame on a tip-in by Simmons II and HCU coasted the rest of the way.
 
HCU shot 53.6% on the evening and went 9-25 from deep for 36%. It was a particularly generous night for the hosts, who recorded 24 assists on 37 made baskets while committing just seven turnovers. Conversely, HCU forced 28 giveaways from the Wildcats, claiming a 39-9 edge in points of turnovers while also dominating the paint to a 50-16 advantage.
 
Four players notched double-digit efforts in game. Max Alexander led the way with 19 points as he went 9-9 from the charity stripe and added five assists. Jonas Nichols had 16 points while Mambourou Mara posted his first double-double of the campaign with 12 points and 10 boards while also added two blocks and two steals.
 
Chris Mubiru had 11 points  and four boards, while Shawn Simmons II added nine points and six rebounds. Kris Keinys had a solid first night in Sharp, posting six points, seven boards and five assists.
 
Cam Ned led a trio of players in double-digits for the Wildcats with 18 points. Rambo Eagins had 11 points while Daniel Mitchell added 10 points and a team-best seven rebounds.
 
HCU moves to 1-0 on the season. The Huskies will now take to the road for their next two ballgames, beginning this Saturday when they travel to Canton, Illinois for a matchup with Western Illinois University. Tip-off is slated for 6 pm.
 
#DawgsUp