Zeigler, Eagles outpace visiting Wildcats to win RRAC opener

Levelle Zeigler pumped in a game-high 29 points, dished out seven assists and helped A&M-Texarkana earn a 75-70 win over Louisiana Christian in Thursday's conference opener at the Patterson Center.

The Eagles (3-3, 1-0 RRAC) came out on top in a game that included 19 lead changes and nine ties with both teams shooting the ball at high success rates. The visiting Wildcats (2-4, 0-1) hit 52 percent of their shots from the floor (24-of-46), 57 percent from behind the three-point line (8-of-14) and 88 percent from the free throw line (14-of-16). To counter, the Eagles posted shooting splits of 48, 40 and 81 percent.

Zeigler scored 16 of his 29 points in the second half and grabbed three rebounds. Dezmond Washington chipped in 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and swiped a pair of steals. Colby Rasberry also had 11 points for the Eagles, who totaled just 19 rebounds as a team. However, the Eagles were careful with the ball, committing just seven turnovers while turning 13 LCU turnovers into 21 points.

Charles Jones led the Wildcats with 23 points, making all five of his attempts from long range. Drew Tebbe added 14 points and three Wildcats grabbed at least five rebounds. LCU also posted a 40-20 advantage in bench scoring.

The Eagles will try to duplicate this winning effort Saturday when they welcome LSU-Alexandria to the Patterson Center for a conference contest at 4 pm.