LSU Shreveport Pilots Upset #8 Pikeville (Ky.) In NAIA Tournament Opener; Will Play Evangel College At 4:30

Rodney Milum led the way for the Pilots scoring a tournament high 30 points, while shooting 90 percent from the free throw line.

The Pilots as a whole started the contest on a 13-0 run and never looked back in their 91-87 victory over #8 ranked Pikeville University from Kentucky.

Besides Milum having a hot shooting night, the rest of the Pilots were 29-for-38 from the charity stripe, which contributed to the Pilots having a 44-35 lead going into the locker room at the half.

Brandon Davis and Mark Politte had 21 points on the night, while combining for 23 rebounds. Tevin Hall scored 17 while having six rebounds.

With under 7:00 to go in the game, LSU Shreveport had a 10 point lead, but the Pikeville Bears went on an 11-1 run to tie the game.

Rodney Milum played the hero role by scoring a series of 3-pointers, all a part of his seven 3-pointers on the night.

The Pilots made a total of 11 free throws in the final 1:11 of the game to seal the victory for LSU Shreveport.

This is the Pilots 9th consecutive NAIA tournament appearance, and they improve to 6-8 overall in tournament history.

The Pilots (25-6) advance to play in the Sweet 16 against the Evangel Crusaders from Missouri at 4:30 p.m.

LSU-Shreveport will be hosting a watch party to cheer on their Pilots starting at 4 p.m. in the University Center on the campus.

To see the rest of the bracket from the NAIA Tournament in Kansas City, click here.

[via LSUS]