Shreveport, La. – The LSUS Pilots men’s basketball team used a 12-3 run over the final four minutes to secure an 83-77 victory over the visiting Texas College Steers on Saturday afternoon at The Dock.

LSUS jumped out to a 21-9 lead just six minutes into the contest, but the Steers would battle back to tie the game at 38-38 on a three-point basket by CZYZ Bennett with 3:03 left in the first half.  Texas College took their first lead of the game just one minute later on a made basket by Von Applewhite.  A three-pointer by LSUS’ Chris Gatlin with 15 seconds remaining in the half tied the game at 45-45.

In the second half, the lead changed five times before Texas College took a six-point lead over the home team with 9:38 left in the game.  LSUS from there would go on a 10-0 run and take a 67-63 lead following another Gatlin three-point basket.  However, Texas College was not done fighting, as they tied the game once again at 71-71 on a three-pointer by Shreveport native Xavier Yates, and eventually took a three-point lead with just over four minutes left in the ballgame.

LSUS though would remain calm, as three consecutive field goals by Gatlin, John Anthony Anglin and Tyrone Hamilton gave the Pilots a five-point lead with 2:57 remaining.  The Steers, however, would only manage one more basket over the final 4:30 of the contest, as the Pilots hung on for the hard fought victory.

LSUS placed all five starters in double figures with Hamilton leading the way with 20 points.  Gatlin poured in 18 points, while Derrick Parker (14), Clarke Jackson (11) and Jared Stevenson (10) rounded out the double-digit scorers.

Although the Steers shot 56% for the game, their 23 turnovers to the Pilots 10 turnovers proved to be the difference in the contest.  The Pilots capitalized on the Steers’ turnovers by converting them into 22 points.

LSUS moved to 5-4 with the win and will take the week off before facing Northwestern State in an exhibition contest next Saturday in Natchitoches.